MONGOLIA TODAY Since 1956 December 2020 №05 (Special Edition)

MONGOLIAN NomadicON THE NomadicHOLLYWOOD SCREEN life 34-35 40-41 MONGOLIA TODAY Since 1956 December 2020 №05 (Special edition)

MONGOLia's DEVELOPMENT MODEL АЛСЫН ХАРАА 2050 МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГО

ҮНДЭСНИЙCOMMON НЭГДМЭЛ ХҮНИЙ АМЬДРАЛЫН ЧАНАР БА ҮНЭТ ЗҮЙЛ ХӨГЖИЛ ДУНДАЖ ДАВХАРГА NATIONAL VALUE

ЭДИЙН САЙН НОГООН VISION ЗАСАГ ЗАСАГЛАЛ ХӨГЖИЛ АЛСЫН ХАРАА 2050 АЛСЫН ХАРАА 2050 МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГО МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГО

АМАР ТАЙВАН БҮСЧИЛСЭН УЛААНБААТАР БА 20 АЮУЛГҮЙ НИЙГЭМ ХӨГЖИЛ ДАГУУЛ ХОТ АЛСЫН ХАРАА 2050 ҮНДЭСНИЙ НЭГДМЭЛНЭГДМЭЛ ХҮНИЙХҮНИЙ АМЬДРАЛЫНАМЬДРАЛЫН ЧАНАРЧАНАР БАБА ҮНЭТҮНЭТ ЗҮЙЛЗҮЙЛ ХӨГЖИЛХӨГЖИЛ ДУНДАЖДУНДАЖ ДАВХАРГАДАВХАРГА АЛСЫН ХАРАА 2050 МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГО АЛСЫН ХАРАА 2050 МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГО МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГО

УЛААНБААТАР ХОТ - 2019 ОН ҮНДЭСНИЙ НЭГДМЭЛ ХҮНИЙ АМЬДРАЛЫН ЧАНАР БА ТӨСЛИЙН ЭХНИЙ ХУВИЛБАР ҮНЭТ ЗҮЙЛ HUMANХӨГЖИЛ QUALITYДУНДАЖ ДАВХАРГА OF LIFE DEVELOPMENT AND MIDDLE CLASS ҮНДЭСНИЙ НЭГДМЭЛ ХҮНИЙ АМЬДРАЛЫН ЧАНАР БА ЭДИЙНЭДИЙН САЙНСАЙН НОГООННОГООН ҮНЭТ ЗҮЙЛ ХӨГЖИЛ ДУНДАЖ ДАВХАРГА ЗАСАГЗАСАГ ЗАСАГЛАЛЗАСАГЛАЛ ХӨГЖИЛХӨГЖИЛ

ЭДИЙН САЙН НОГООН ЗАСАГ ЗАСАГЛАЛ ХӨГЖИЛ

АМАР ТАЙВАН БҮСЧИЛСЭН УЛААНБААТАР БА ЭДИЙН САЙН НОГООН АМАР ТАЙВАН БҮСЧИЛСЭН УЛААНБААТАР БА АЮУЛГҮЙPEACE НИЙГЭМ AND REGIONALХӨГЖИЛ ULAANBAATARДАГУУЛ ХОТ AND ЗАСАГTHE ЗАСАГЛАЛGOOD ХӨГЖИЛGREEN АЮУЛГҮЙ НИЙГЭМ ХӨГЖИЛ ДАГУУЛ ХОТ ECONOMY GOVERNANCE DEVELOPMENT SECURITY OF THE DEVELOPMENT SATELLITE CITIES SOCIETY

АЛСЫН ХАРАА 20502050 2020 | 1 МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙНХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГОБОДЛОГО АМАР ТАЙВАН БҮСЧИЛСЭН УЛААНБААТАР БА АЮУЛГҮЙ НИЙГЭМ ХӨГЖИЛ ДАГУУЛ ХОТ

ТӨСЛИЙН ЭХНИЙ ХУВИЛБАР УЛААНБААТАР ХОТ - 2019 ОН ТӨСЛИЙН ЭХНИЙ ХУВИЛБАР УЛААНБААТАР ХОТ - 2019 ОН АМАР ТАЙВАН БҮСЧИЛСЭН УЛААНБААТАР БА АЮУЛГҮЙ НИЙГЭМ ХӨГЖИЛ ДАГУУЛ ХОТ АЛСЫН ХАРАА 2050 МОНГОЛАЛСЫН УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХАРАА ХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГО 2050 МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГО ТӨСЛИЙН ЭХНИЙ ХУВИЛБАР УЛААНБААТАР ХОТ - 2019 ОН

ТӨСЛИЙН ЭХНИЙ ХУВИЛБАР УЛААНБААТАР ХОТ - 2019 ОН 2 | MONGOLIA TODAY CONTENTS

INTERVIEW WITH HEAD OF THE CABINET SECRETARIAT L.OYUN-ERDENE...... 4-8

MONGOLIA: FAVORABLE INVESTMENT CLIMATE...... 10-11

MONGOLIA'S DEVELOPMENT MODEL "VISION-2050"……...... 12-15

E-MONGOLIA: MONGOLIANS TO DIGITAL TRANSITION ...... 16-19

MEGA PROJECTS ...... 20-29

TRAVELING THROUGH CHINGGIS KHAAN'S HISTORIC PLACES...... ….30-33

NOMADIC LIFE ON THE HOLLYWOOD SCREEN...... ……...... 34-35

WORLD HERITAGE: THE "TOSON-KHULSTAI" BIOSPHERE RESEVE...... …...... 36-37

THE HU: LEGEND AWAKENING HUNNU ROCK……...... 38-39

MONGOLIAN SNOW LEOPARD……...... ….....40-41

A MESSAGE FROM MONGOLIAN 3X3 BASKETBALL TEAM NAMED ONE OF WORLD’S THE EDITORIAL TEAM TOP 12 TEAMS...... …...... 42 Dear Readers,

We present you the special edition of ‘Mongolia Today’ magazine for 2020.

By 2050, Mongolia has set a goal to reach a level where it is fully capable of compet- M O N G O L I A T O D A Y ing in the region of Asia and the Pacific, with a GDP per capita of USD 38 thousand. This MONTSAME NATIONAL NEWS AGENCY OF MONGOLIA is just one of the main objectives stated in ‘Vision-2050’ long term development policy of Mongolia. This special issue highlights ‘Vision-2050’ as it is the country’s core policy docu- Editor-in-Chief: ment that defines the next 30 years of development. L.Batbayar

Some 1,500 researchers of government and non-governmental organizations, professional Managing Editor: research institutes, and universities were involved and over 500 development policies were B.Ooluun used in developing this policy document, which is considered truly a ‘Mongol development model’ bringing together the history of the Mongol Empire, nomadic culture, and unique Journalists: national characteristics with the modern development ideology being followed internationally. Sh.Batbold, M.Unurzul, B.Batchimeg, M.Anudari, From the articles and interviews, we hope you will find answers to why the country needs A.Munkhzul, E.Erdenejargal this policy document, what Mongolia wants to achieve in the next 30 years, what the prior- B.Altankhuyag, Ch.Ariunbold ity areas will be for the economic development, and how it plans to achieve the goals. S.Munkhbaatar, D.Ulziisaikhan

This issue also covers stories on Mongolians who are making a success in international film Advertising and sales and music industries and sports. Moreover, this special issue includes the articles on snow manager: leopards in Mongolia, one of very rear animals in the world and the Toson-Khulstai Nature B.Tumur, B.Enkhbold Reserve of Mongolia, which recently was designated as a UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve. Photographers: B.Chadraabal, T.Chimgee, N.Batbayar

Designer: D.Enkhbayar

2020 | 3 Interview SH.BATBOLD CH.ARIUNBOLD

MONGOLIA TO BE COMPETITIVE WITH ITS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC REGION BY 2050

Minister of Mongolia, Head of the Cabinet Secretariat Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai is one of the leading young politicians of Mongolia. Elected as a Member of the State Great Khural (Mongolian parliament) since 2016, and appointed as Minister of Mongolia, Head of the Cabinet Secretariat since early 2019, he was the one to lead the working group to develop the ‘Vision-2050’ long term development policy of Mongolia. We held an interview with him to discuss ‘Vision-2050’ policy document, which laid out the country’s development plans for the next 30 years. Born in 1980, L.Oyun-Erdene majored in journalism, political science, and law. He also has a Master’s degree in Public Administration, of which studies he completed at the Harvard University of the United States in 2015.

-It has been 30 years since Mon- of Mongolia. - ‘Vision-2050’ is a ‘Mongolia's golia transitioned into democracy. -Could you elaborate on the con- development model’ that brings The past 30 years is regarded to stitutional amendments? How does together the history of the Mongol have been years of major changes the development policy correlate Empire, nomadic culture, and unique and reform in the country. with the Constitution? national characteristics with the -Yes. Mongolia’s GDP has in- -In short, the average “life ex- modern development ideology being creased from USD 768.4 million in pectancy” for the Government of followed internationally. Prior to 1993 to USD 13.8 billion today, hav- Mongolia was 1.7 years in the past 1990, our development model was ing grown by 17.9 times compared 30 years. Although there are many mostly replicated from those of the ‘Vision-2050’ to then. From just the numbers, factors that resulted in this, it was USSR, then began to follow the lead is a ‘Mongolia's this is a considerable achievement. found that the issue was mainly of western countries from 1992. However, 28.4 percent of the total caused by a structural issue rooted Directly “copying” them without development population—one in every three people in the Constitution. Due to unstable adapting them to our characteristics model’ that continues to have lower than average governance, development policies and condition was perhaps a mistake brings together quality of life. Thus, the Govern- were not properly implemented and in the past 30 years. the history of ment of Mongolia is faced with the did not have correlation in between, This was corrected in the ‘Vi- challenge to give special attention which affected the core indicators of sion-2050’ policy document. That’s the Mongol to our citizens’ quality of life in the development. why it is being referred to as the Mon- Empire, coming years. To do this, we came to So, it could be said that with the gol development model. Some 1,500 nomadic the conclusion that we had to look amendments to the Constitution, the experts from all sectors came together back on the past 30 years as a whole, legal foundation to ensure governance to work on the development policy culture, and and develop a long-term development stability has been put. Furthermore, for the course of over a year. For the unique national policy that envisions the entirety of the Constitution now reflects that coming 30 years, you could say that characteristics the next 30 years. With the approval development policies are to be stable our objective is to make big changes of the ‘Vision-2050’ policy document, and have correlation. It has also be- in our economic structure by reducing with the modern additional amendments were also come possible for the Prime Minister the overdependence on mining, and development made to the Constitution according to bring together the members of his transition from a consumer economy ideology being to the document. To put it simply, Cabinet independently. into a manufacturing and export followed the year of 2021 will be the start of -What is the main feature of ‘Vi- economy. Consisting of 9 goals and 47 a new set of 30 years for the citizens sion-2050’ policy document? objectives, it will be implemented in internationally.

4 | MONGOLIA TODAY Some 1,500 experts from all sectors came together to work on the development policy for the course of over a year.

3 phases, each for 10 years. We make investments in establish- with considerable investment are a few that you may have heard of, also have a vision to increase our ing factories and refineries for planned to be implemented in the the ‘Marco Polo’ series by Netf- current GDP per person of USD mining products—especially sectors of agriculture, energy, lix, ‘Waiting for the Barbarians’, 4,000 to USD 12,054 by 2030, products such as copper concen- tourism, transport and logistics, and ‘Burn Your Maps’. On top of and over USD 38,359 by 2050. trate, coking coal, iron ore as science, and IT as well as the all this, our own content produc- -What will be the priority well as gold and silver. Large- creative industry. We are cur- ers are also starting to compete areas for the economic develop- scale infrastructure projects to rently working to create highly on the international level. The ment of Mongolia in the next 30 connect these refineries will also favorable conditions for foreign spotlight being given to the songs years? Anything of interest for begin to be implemented. In aims investment in regards to taxation made by ‘The HU’ band reflects foreign investors? of developing all the other sec- and legal framework. Moreover, the distinctness of the nomadic -First things first, we will tors aside from mining, projects most of these large-scale projects heritage. We are planning to will be implemented through the organize a large-scale festival for partnership of the public and nomads from all around the world private sectors. once every 6 years. -Could you give us more Furthermore, the govern- specific details about what is ment will always be ready to being referred to as the creative support and cooperate with in- industry? ternational artists and producers, -Mongolia is a country with who wish to create films, content, a long, ancient history and a and works in the untouched ex- unique nomadic culture. Inter- quisite nature of Mongolia and national content producers are promoting the Mongol culture making some intriguing works to the world. Many opportunities that show our country’s history, are available. For instance, it was tradition and heritage, and way concluded that the Mongolian of life in recent years. To mention Gobi is quite similar to the land

2020 | 5 Interview

on Mars. We also happen to have are working and bringing values a project on establishing an in- with their skills to many inter- ternational space research center national technology companies. and an educational institution, Now, we already have a number initiated by our youth. of companies who are competing -Foreign cooperation and in the international markets. I investment would certainly be can name a few. For instance, needed in successfully imple- And Global LLC who recently menting the abovementioned started its fintech business in joint projects. Could you elabo- Asia, just signed a partnership rate on how cooperation will agreement with Marubeni Corpo- be carried out with other coun- ration on providing innovative tries? information technology across -Yes, as one would expect, the globe. Erxes LLC, which was the Government will not be evaluated at USD 18 million has carrying out all the projects on been providing its open source its own. We perceive that these program B2B service to over 100 projects will be implemented countries. Also, Call Pro LLC through the partnership of pub- has been proving its communi- lic and private sectors, foreign cation service to Central Asian investment, and in cooperation countries and the users increased with foreign large-scale projects dramatically since the pandemic and programs. It could be con- started. World Plus Digital LLC sidered that the ‘Vision-2050’ created an application which policy document is based on the provides read-see-listen services long-term plans and policies of to the world as it includes all the countries that are able to cooper- popular magazines, newspapers ate with Mongolia in regards to and journals around the world. are making preparations to an- economy, such as our neighbours, We also have Shoppy.mn, an nounce the Gobi region, where the US, India, Japan, South e-commerce platform or we can major mining and industrial Korea, Canada, and Germany. say it is Mongolia’s "Amazon" projects are being implemented, To take some examples, projects which has been providing its ser- as a mining and heavy industry are currently successfully being vice during the recent lockdown. zone, Selenge and Darkhan-Uul implemented or in its prepara- -There has been news that a aimags that have fertile soils tion phase with China in mining significant amount of contro- as an agricultural and farming export and trade, with Russia in versial issue has been created zone, and the western region, mining and railway construction, relating to the Oyu Tolgoi min- WE ARE OPEN TO where energy projects are being with Canada in the underground ing project? realized, as an energy zone, as mine of Oyu Tolgoi, and with -As for the Oyu Tolgoi proj- COOPERATE WITH ALL well as the historical and cultural India in the oil refinery and ect, a Government working group THOSE WHO CAN BE areas and lands with beautiful coal export. In addition, we has been established, and talks INVOLVED—WHICH IS WHY natural formations as a natural are actively cooperating with are underway with the investors. WE WISH FOR PEOPLE OF and historical tourism zone. There are issues that are inevita- Estonia in e-governance, with MANY COUNTRIES We have a lot of potential Singapore in housing and a Cen- ble to be negotiated, such as the for food exports. Mongolian tral Provident Fund system, and feasibility study for the project, TO LEARN ABOUT livestock still has the advantage with South Korea in building the power plant, and tax matters. THE NEW DEVELOPMENT of being nomadic. Organic food capacity of state servants. In connection with the changes POLICY OF MONGOLIA, products without any chemicals We are open to cooperate in the investor’s management TO ACTIVELY CARRY OUT or fertilizers can be supplied composition, currently, several with all those who can be in- COOPERATION, AND from Mongolia. In recent years, volved—which is why we wish works are in anticipation. I am we have been paying much at- for people of many countries to confident that the controversial TO JOINTLY DEVELOP. tention to the quality require- learn about the new development issues will be resolved positively ments on food preparations in policy of Mongolia, to actively by mutual consent. accordance with international carry out cooperation, and to -Mongolia has a vast terri- standards. I think it is true that jointly develop. tory and low population density. some Japanese researchers say -What about the informa- How do you define the country’s that the strength of Mongolian tion technology sector? regional development in the wrestlers in sumo is related to Information technology one development policy document their healthy food. Mongolia’s of the leading sectors of Mongolia for the next 30 years? statehood traditions from the which already created a number -Mongolia is linking its con- time of the ancient Xiongnu to of advantages for the country. cept of regional development that of established by Chinggis We have many IT experts who to the economic prospect. We Khaan in the 13th century and

6 | MONGOLIA TODAY Mongolia has big market not only for mining but also cashmere products, energy, transportation logistics and tourism. There are full of possibilities and opportunities to cooperate in these fields.

communicate with us directly. For example, most Mongolian laws, government documents, and websites of ministries and government agencies are only in Mongolian language. People interested in cooperation and investment have limited access to information without the help of interpreters or intermediar- ies. Therefore, we are focusing on translating laws and websites into English. Second, foreign investors sometimes do not know where to apply. Therefore, we will strengthen and ensure sustainable operation of the state administrative body for foreign investment. Mongolia is to have a one- window policy for foreign af- fairs. In other words, Mongolia aims to become Digital Mongolia; thus it is implementing a major project named “E-Mongolia” that meets international standards, allowing both Mongolians and foreigners to set up companies, invest, obtain services, and get visa facilitation without having a face-to-face meeting with government officials. This the pristine nature have been re- project is being implemented mained unchanged, which attract in two phases. The first phase, tourists’ interest much. shifting all public services of Mongolia can be said the Mongolia into electronic form, first nomadic country in the liberalization of air transport, is progressing well. The second world and is still preserving digitalization of visa services, phase is the “E-Citizen” menu for its nomadic lifestyle. Mongolia enforcement of international investors. If you want to invest is the only place where visitors tourism standards as well as in our country, or maybe want can get acquainted with real great focus on security. to rent an apartment, it is the nomadic life and travel to pris- -You have said above that phase that enables to conduct tine nature by enjoying the big in the implementation of sig- social and economic relations, sunrise in the Gobi and visiting nificant projects that are pillars sitting at your computer without the untouched natural places that for future development, Mongo- MONGOLIA IS THE ONLY coming to Mongolia. By doing so, were mentioned in the historical lia will actively collaborate at it will create a favorable environ- sources. We have long-term plan the international level through PLACE WHERE VISITORS ment for investment in Mongolia. to attract tourists through the attracting foreign investment. CAN GET ACQUAINTED WITH Mongolia has big market not only Asia-Pacific region. So, could you tell me about REAL NOMADIC LIFE AND for mining but also cashmere -How many tourists does the present state and environ- TRAVEL TO PRISTINE NA- products, energy, transportation Mongolia receive annually now? ment for foreign investment in TURE BY ENJOYING THE BIG logistics and tourism. There are - Mongolia receives approxi- Mongolia? How do you plan to full of possibilities and opportu- mately 600 thousand foreign improve the legal environment SUNRISE IN THE GOBI AND nities to cooperate in these fields. tourists a year. This is very for investment in the future? VISITING THE UNTOUCHED -International promotional unsatisfactory. The countries, - Mongolia is a democratic NATURAL PLACES THAT activities or advertising of which receive the most tourists country with a parliamentary WERE MENTIONED IN THE Mongolia do not seem sufficient in the world, are located around system, situated between two HISTORICAL SOURCES. even though it has a great role Mongolia. In short, there is a lot big neighbours. That’s why the in cooperation expansion and of tourist potential. The annual country considers it important investment attraction. So, the number of tourists to our two to have active international government would certainly neighbors, South Korea and Ja- cooperation and open interna- put emphasis on the country’s pan alone, is 239.6 million. The tional investment, and has been promotion abroad. What policy major policy changes, included in pursuing an open policy to be will you be using? What activi- the ‘Vision 2050’, will be made connected with other countries ties are underway and what are in the tourism sector. There through large-scale projects. planned? will be many major changes in Of course, there are issues that -I agree. The international the coming years, such as the foreign investors face when they promotional activities have been

2020 | 7 Interview

THROUGH IMPROVEMENT OF inactive. In light of that, we are THE MONGOLIA-RUSSIA-CHINA the disease when the coronavirus starting to take certain steps. We TRILATERAL AGREEMENT ON THE spread in our two neighbors and will put more emphasis on the ECONOMIC CORRIDOR ESTABLISH- across the globe. What is the matter in the future. In particu- MENT, WE PLAN TO IMPLEMENT secret behind it? lar, the country is actively work- INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT -There is no such thing as ing to promote its policy, stance, PROJECTS TO ENHANCE TRANS- a secret. Most importantly, the and activities in collaboration PORT, LOGISTICS, URBAN DEVELOP- country’s small population and with major world news outlets MENT, CROSS-BORDER TRADE, AND low population density have been and agencies. In short, we will TOURISM. advantageous to us. Moreover, be promoting the country’s op- local transmissions were pre- portunities, investment climate, vented for 10 months as Mongolia foreign cooperation, culture, and promptly shifted to movement history more in the future. restriction regime as soon as the -Countries are focusing more pandemic started to spread across on regional development and the world. The Government is solving challenges together as agreement on the economic cor- country can develop an integrated still actively working to curb the the world globalizes. There is a ridor establishment, we plan transport and logistics network spread of the disease. We have special goal for regional coop- to implement infrastructure to connect domestic and inter- the hope that the problem will eration reflected in the “Vision development projects to enhance national markets and improve not get out of control. The reason 2050” policy document. What transport, logistics, urban devel- its transit transport agreements for the hope is that the country measures are planned as part opment, cross-border trade, and for efficient use of transport in- has family health centers. In of the goal to enhance trade and tourism. The matter of building frastructure, thereby developing other words, we will be able to economic cooperation with the a natural gas pipeline connect- transport and logistics as a key vaccinate the population with regional countries? ing Russia, Mongolia, and China economic sector. promptitude when the vaccine - It will be our policy to diver- is being solved through trilat- -The last question is about becomes available. sify the economy by developing eral talks. This major regional the COVID-19 that has been Lastly, I would like to express the sectors that are competitive development work is not only shaking the world. The World my sincere wish that 2021 will in the long-term and expand- a project of great significance Health Organization has re- be the year in which the man- ing export possibilities and for the country’s economy, but iterated that Mongolia is one kind successfully overcomes the markets through joining the also it will open a new page for of the countries with the best COVID-19 and my hope that the regional trade and economic in- economic cooperation with our management fighting against global economy and “normal life” tegration and facilitating trade. two eternal neighbors and has COVID-19. It is the fact that that plunged due to the coronavi- Through improvement of the an important role in joining Mongolia achieved 10 months rus will accordingly show sharp Mongolia-Russia-China trilateral the cooperation integration. The with no local transmissions of recovery and growth.

8 | MONGOLIA TODAY ‘Vision-2050’ long term development policy and National Investment Program

Section 1.7 of Article 25 of the Constitution of Mongolia states that development policy and planning must be stable. Amendments were made to the Law on Development Policy, Plan- ning, and Administration as according to the constitutional amendments. With this change, long term development policies came to be developed and implemented for 30 years, development subprograms for 10 years, and the main direction for the development of Mongolia as well as the national investment program for 5 years.

VISION-2050

COMMON HUMAN QUALITY OF LIFE THE GOOD GREEN PEACE AND REGIONAL ULAANBAATAR AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND MIDDLE CLASS ECONOMY GOVERNANCE DEVELOPMENT SECURITY OF THE DEVELOPMENT SATELLITE CITIES VALUE SOCIETY

5-YEAR PROGRAM FOR PHASE I /2021-2030 BASIC GUIDELINES FOR THE DEVELOP- 2021-2025 MENT OF MONGOLIA FOR 5 YEARS

NATIONAL INVESTMENT PROGRAM OF MONGOLIA 2021-2025

Financing fully and Financing required Feasibility study and blueprint partially resolved to be resolved required to be developed 150 projects 88 projects 98 projects

Per Resolution No. 23 of the State Great The appendix document about the re- the 150 fully and partially resolved projects Khural (Mongolian parliament) on August quired investment for the implementation and measures alongside 88 projects that 28, 2020, the plan for the first 5 years of the Basic Guidelines for the Development are required to have its financing resources of Phase I (2021-2030) of ‘Vision-2050’ of Mongolia for 5 years, calculations, and resolved, and 98 projects that are required long term development policy document detailed plans developed in correlation with to have feasibility study and blueprints of Mongolia – the Basic Guidelines for the its resource – the draft for the ‘National developed. By implementing the projects, Development of Mongolia for 5 years in 2021- Investment Program for 2021-2025’ was conditions are properly created for implement- 2025 as well as the Investment Program for developed, and approved as the appendix of ing the core objectives and measures for the 2021-2025 has been approved and begun to the main document. mid-term development of Mongolia, making it be implemented. The financial resources for the ‘National possible for the long-term development policy Based on the suggestions received from Investment Program for 2021-2025’ approved to be implemented. government organizations, research insti- tutions, universities and colleges, NGOs, professional associations, and private entities, the goals and objectives for the policy to be implemented in 2021-2025, its results, monitoring and studies on implementation, assessment criteria, and base and target level was determined in the framework of ‘Vi- sion-2050’, which consists of 9 goals and 47 objectives including common national value, human development, quality of life and middle class, the economy, good governance, green development, peace and security of the society, regional development, and Ulaanbaatar and satellite cities.

2020 | 9 Invest in Mongolia CH.ARIUNBOLD E.ERDENEJARGAL

MONGOLIA WAS RANKED 10TH IN EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC ACCORDING TO WORLD BANK IN TERMS OF EASE OF DOING BUSINESS. Why Mongolia? MONGOLIA: FAVORABLE INVESTMENT CLIMATE

SHAUKAT Mongolia is the closest market to major TAPIA industrial centers and world’s leading MONGOLIA IS economies - China and Russia, and has the “Mongolia is a rapid- potential to become a major resource to the ly developing country LOCATED BETWEEN countries in the Asia, Pacific region, such as that offers dynamic Japan, South Korea, India, etc. experience and unlim- THE WORLD’S ited opportunities. Mongolia also has a great opportunity to become PwC Mongolia helps TWO LARGEST a major supplier of resources to its neighboring people discover and countries - China and Russia. For example, it identify a wide range ECONOMIES exports more than 14 types of minerals and is the of collaborations, in- largest exporter of coking coal to China. teractions and skills. Provided with this favorable economic condition The main goal of PwC GDP forecast and its geographical location, Mongolia have the is to help our clients advantage of connecting the two largest economic succeed in this dy- and trade regions and developing economy in line namic and changing with the need and supply for not just the economies region and build trust of its 3 million people, but also economies of the in community.” 5.1% nearest biggest cities, at least.

10 | MONGOLIA TODAY According to UNFPA-supported study, a period of time when the proportion of population of working age group is prominent or so-called "demographic window" is occuring in Mongolia

MONGOLIA MAIN EXPORT MAIN IMPORT PRODUCTS (2018): PRODUCTS (2018): Population: million Coal Refined petroleum 2021 GDP USD 2.7 billion USD 1.0 billion forecast: Copper concentrate Vehicle USD 2.1 billion USD 815 million FDI (2016-19): USD billion PARTNER COUNTRIES IN TRADE: Capital city: Ulaanbaatar China EU Russia 82.5% 14% 1.1%

*source: National Statistics Office of Mongolia, Asian Development Bank

GROWING ORGANIC MONGOLIA HAS YOUNG HUMAN AGRICULTURAL THE RICHEST RESOURCES SECTOR FULL OF MINING OPPORTUNITIES RESOURCES

2literacy 3 4 Mongolia is the largest exporter of The world's 98.6 cashmere copper reserves 4 According to a 2012 UNFPA-supported Mongolia's agricultural sector which There are 1,170 mineral deposits of 80 study - “Impact of Mongolia's Demographic makes up about 20% of GDP is the mainstay types and more than 8,000 explorations Change on Social, Economic, Development, of the population's food supply and raw ma- registered in Mongolia, which includes and Social Policy”, a period of time when terials for national industries, and accounts proven reserves of 1619 tons of gold, 227 the proportion of population of working for more than 10% of total export earnings. thousand tons of silver, 36.3 million tons age group is prominent or so-called "gemo- In the first 10 months of 2020, the of copper, 660 million tons of iron ore, 5.9 graphic window" is occurring in Mongolia. agricultural sector produced MNT 2.4 tril- million tons of zinc and 250 million tons of As of the end of 2019, the total popula- lion worth of products. About 35% or 153.1 oil. Moreover, it has an estimated oil reserve tion of Mongolia has reached 3.2 million, of thousand households (335 thousand people) of 175 billion tons and 9.8 billion of them which workers aged 25-54 make up about of the total number of employees/ employed have been proven. 45% of the total population. In addition, in Mongolia work in the sector and earn Deposits with large reserves include the literacy rate in Mongolia is 98.6%. their living from the sales of agricultural Erdenet, Oyu Tolgoi, Tsagaan Suvarga, As of the reference period, 64 thousand products. Gatsuurt, Tavt, Asgat, Mungun Undur, people are employed in the mining and quar- In terms of foreign direct investment Bayangol, Tumurtei, Tumurtei ovoo and rying industry, 93.2 thousand people in the in the agricultural sector, as of June 2020, Bargilt deposits. Minerals account for 94% education sector, 37.8 thousand people in the investment in the processing of livestock of Mongolia's total exports. the human health and social security sector, raw materials accounted for 0.35% of total Mining sector is Mongolia’s leading 34.7 thousand people in the hospitality and investment, with 170 companies investing sector, accounting for 20.0% of GDP and catering sector, 61.6 thousand people in about USD 89 million; the investment in 71.0% of total industrial output. transportation and warehousing, 59.1 thou- agricultural and livestock sector accounted sand people in the construction sector, while for 0.15%, with 172 companies investing 1.6 thousand people with higher education about USD 37 and 1.03% or 210 companies' are employed in international organizations investment of USD 261 million went to light and permanent missions. industry sector. Education is an important goal for Mon- golia, and its expenditures are relatively high compared to other Asian countries. 4.65% of GDP is spent on education.

2020 | 11 Review CH.ARIUNBOLD A.MUNKHZUL, E.ERDENEJARGAL MONGOLia's DEVELOPMENT MODEL АЛСЫН ХАРАА 2050 МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГО

ҮНДЭСНИЙCOMMON НЭГДМЭЛ ХҮНИЙ АМЬДРАЛЫН ЧАНАР БА ҮНЭТ ЗҮЙЛ ХӨГЖИЛ ДУНДАЖ ДАВХАРГА NATIONAL VALUE

ЭДИЙН САЙН НОГООН ЗАСАГ ЗАСАГЛАЛ ХӨГЖИЛ АЛСЫН ХАРАА 2050 VISION АЛСЫН ХАРАА 2050 МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГО МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГО

АМАР ТАЙВАН БҮСЧИЛСЭН УЛААНБААТАР БА ХӨГЖИЛ АЛСЫН ХАРАА 2050 АЮУЛГҮЙ НИЙГЭМ ДАГУУЛ ХОТ ҮНДЭСНИЙ НЭГДМЭЛНЭГДМЭЛ ХҮНИЙХҮНИЙ АМЬДРАЛЫНАМЬДРАЛЫН ЧАНАРЧАНАР БАБА 20ҮНЭТҮНЭТ ЗҮЙЛЗҮЙЛ ХӨГЖИЛХӨГЖИЛ ДУНДАЖДУНДАЖ ДАВХАРГАДАВХАРГА АЛСЫН ХАРАА 2050 МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГО АЛСЫН ХАРАА 2050 МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГО МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГО

ҮНДЭСНИЙ НЭГДМЭЛ ХҮНИЙ АМЬДРАЛЫН ЧАНАР БА ҮНЭТ ЗҮЙЛ HUMANХӨГЖИЛ QUALITYДУНДАЖ ДАВХАРГА OF LIFE DEVELOPMENT AND MIDDLE CLASS ТӨСЛИЙН ЭХНИЙ ХУВИЛБАР УЛААНБААТАР ХОТ - 2019 ОН ҮНДЭСНИЙ НЭГДМЭЛ ХҮНИЙ АМЬДРАЛЫН ЧАНАР БА ЭДИЙНЭДИЙН САЙНСАЙН НОГООННОГООН ҮНЭТ ЗҮЙЛ ХӨГЖИЛ ДУНДАЖ ДАВХАРГА ЗАСАГЗАСАГ ЗАСАГЛАЛЗАСАГЛАЛ ХӨГЖИЛХӨГЖИЛ

ЭДИЙН САЙН НОГООН ЗАСАГ ЗАСАГЛАЛ ХӨГЖИЛ

The population of Mongolia will reach 4 million АЛСЫНby 2030, 4.6 million ХАРАА by 2040, and 20502050 5.4 million МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙНХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГОБОДЛОГО byАМАР 2050. ТАЙВАН By then,БҮСЧИЛСЭН the country УЛААНБААТАРwill also БА transition from a consumer country into a manufactur- АЮУЛГҮЙing, НИЙГЭМexporter country.ХӨГЖИЛ It is plannedДАГУУЛ ХОТto boost GDP per capita to USD 12 thousand by 2030, and ТӨСЛИЙН ЭХНИЙ ХУВИЛБАР УЛААНБААТАР ХОТ - 2019 ОН ТӨСЛИЙН ЭХНИЙ ХУВИЛБАР УЛААНБААТАР ХОТ - 2019 ОН АМАР ТАЙВАН БҮСЧИЛСЭН УЛААНБААТАР БА АЮУЛГҮЙ НИЙГЭМ ХӨГЖИЛ over USDДАГУУЛ 38 ХОТ thousand by 2050. АЛСЫН ХАРАА 2050 TheseМОНГОЛ УЛСЫНare just УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ one part ХӨГЖЛИЙН of the БОДЛОГО main objectives stated in ‘Vision-2050’ long term development policyАЛСЫН of Mongolia, ХАРАА which was approved 2050 by the Mongolian parliament on May 13, 2020. МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН УРТ ХУГАЦААНЫ ХӨГЖЛИЙН БОДЛОГО ТӨСЛИЙН ЭХНИЙ ХУВИЛБАР УЛААНБААТАР ХОТ - 2019 ОН

12 | MONGOLIA TODAY ТӨСЛИЙН ЭХНИЙ ХУВИЛБАР УЛААНБААТАР ХОТ - 2019 ОН ERME GOV NT viron The en ment

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ENVISION THE FUTURE C populations. As for Mongolia, M

O the amount of people in the Y AND THE PRE-EXISTING S middle class is relatively small, CONDITIONS resulting in a worrisome trend Some 1,500 researchers of in creating societal division. government and non-governmen- The trend has also continued tal organizations, professional to negatively affect the values research institutes, and universi- of a democratic society that the ties were involved in developing people have chosen themselves this policy document defining the 99th out of 140 countries for Work is currently being 30 years ago. This can be clearly next 30 years of development for its competitiveness, 74th out of done to reflect ‘Vision-2050’ seen from ranking 92nd out of Mongolia. From the eight 5-year- 190 countries for its ease of do- long term development policy in 177 countries for its human de- plans developed by ‘Mongolor’ ing business index, and 93rd for development policies and docu- velopment index. For this reason, joint venture in 1914, by Wealth its corruption index. Officials ments on the national, sectoral, ‘Vision-2050’ highlights that the Enrichment Department in 1924, usually explain the core reason cross-sectoral as well as regional, core of Mongolia’s development and the State Planning Commis- for all this as due to being a aimag, and capital city level, and policy will be the people, with sion in 1945 to various sectoral landlocked country, having poor implement them in phases by al- good education and health. development policies, over 500 infrastructure, contrast of devel- locating the required funds from A certain conclusion has to development policies were used opment between urban and rural state and local budgets alongside be made from how Mongolia to develop the document over the areas, harsh weather conditions, other financial resources. In its ranks 49th for ability to utilize course of eight months. In this and an unstable economy due framework, the implementation intellectual capacity, 59th for sense, ‘Vision-2050’ is truly a to overdependence on mining. of the development policy is to home-grown talent, and 111th ‘Mongolia's development model’ Despite all this, it should also be reported to the Mongolian for its know-how despite Mon- bringing together the history be acknowledged that there has parliament every 5 years. golian children ranking 7th in of the Mongol Empire, nomadic also been another large factor, Without knowing our desti- the world for their intellectual culture, and unique national which is the abnormal situation nation, we will never reach it. capacity. In this framework, the characteristics with the modern making it difficult for state ser- Without a vision, the people will policy document creates univer- development ideology being fol- vants to have stable employment have no order. Thus, to intro- sal access to quality education, lowed internationally. due to the 4-year cycles caused duce where Mongolia will be by considering education as the Countries of the world are de- by elections. Perhaps this single 2050 and how it is reflected in base for individual develop- veloping and approving their de- issue was the main reason for ‘Vision-2050’, the current GDP ment, guarantee for a happy velopment plans up till the year the Government of Mongolia to per capita of USD 4,000 will be family life, and the development of 2050. Mongolia developing look back on the past 30 years as increased to USD 12 thousand by of the country. Furthermore, all its long-term development policy a whole and envision the future 2030, and USD 38 thousand by policies on enhancing the quality per this standard happened to be development of the country. 2050. Furthermore, the country and accessibility of healthcare the same year as the 30th an- will reach a level where it is services, such as developing an niversary of the country’s tran- IMPOSSIBLE TO REACH fully capable of competing in the effective system with citizens be- sition into democracy. Rights region of Asia and the Pacific in ing involved in regular check-ups and freedom, pluralism, free THE DESTINATION 2050. It should be again noted every 2 years, and utilizing air press, free, democratic election, that this is the calculation done transport in emergency care have WITHOUT FORESEEING IT by researchers specialized in multiparty governance—the Common national value, hu- been comprehensively reflected various fields. democratic revolution brought man development, quality of life in the document. many positive changes. During and middle class, the economy, According to ‘Vision-2050’, this period, the population of good governance, green develop- THE CORE OF Mongolia is estimated to have a Mongolia grew from 2.2 million ment, peace and security of the population of 4 million by 2030, to 3.3 million, with average life society, regional development, DEVELOPMENT - THE 4.6 million by 2040, and 5.4 mil- expectancy increasing from 62.8 and Ulaanbaatar and satellite PEOPLE OF MONGOLIA lion by 2050. to 70.4. While the Mongolian cities—consisting of 9 goals and Through improving the qual- GDP was USD 768.4 million in 47 objectives, ‘Vision-2050’ is The driving force in any so- ity of healthcare and education 1993, today it has reached USD divided into three phases: 2021- ciety is the people of the middle sectors, apartments, level of in- 13.8 billion, growing by 17.5 2030, 2031-2040, 2041-2050, class. Developed countries of come, environment, jobs, quality times. However, the country with the implementing methods the world are mainly focusing of life, level of satisfaction, and stands 92nd out of 177 countries and expected results carefully on increasing the percentage of social security, the objectives for its human development index, calculated by the Government. the middle class in their total have been set to bring the cur-

2020 | 13 Review

Percentage of middle and Gross domestic upper class citizens product per capita

rent baseline human development tainable growth; the economy, finance strategi- index of 0.74 to 0.8 by 2030, 0.85 2. Processing industry, which cally important mega projects, INVESTMENT AND OPEN by 2040, and 0.9 by 2050. includes the agricultural sector and create a system for equal FOREIGN POLICY Furthermore, it is reflected in three categories: heavy, light distribution of natural resources There are many examples in the policy to focus on devel- and food; to all citizens. The policy is also where the objectives and mea- oping a civil society by bring- 3. Energy sector; aimed to change the fact that sures set out in the Mongolia ing public services online and 4. Transport and logistics; thirty percent of the country's Development Guidelines were too independent from people and 5. Specialized tourism and re- employed work in the livestock general, the indicators could not bureaucracy. On the other hand, lated services, small and medium sector, but incomes are low due be measured, and there were no correlation has been created enterprises; to low productivity, to the de- financial and economic estimates. for the goals and objectives of 6. Knowledgeable and produc- velopment of intensive animal However, in the “Vision-2050”, the ‘Sustainable Development tive sectors. husbandry and agriculture. It the issue of financial invest- Goals-2030’ approved by the It contains the goal of be- also focuses on the production of ment has been clearly resolved. UN, and the planned measures coming a producer country from value-added products and aims to The sources of funding for 150 and expected results for Phase 1 consumer and an exporter from move from an importer to an ex- projects with a total budget of (2030) of ‘Vision-2050’ long term importer. porter. In this context, the policy MNT 49.7 trillion to be imple- development policy of Mongolia. For instance, a policy of will support agriculture and do- mented under the program have developing responsible mining, mestic processing industry. been resolved, while there are FROM CONSUMER increasing the level of process- The development of energy 88 projects with a budget of ing and exporting value-added and heating infrastructure will MNT 18.6 trillion required to be NATION TO PRODUCER, products will be pursued. The create opportunities for other resolved, as well as 98 projects FROM IMPORTER TO construction of the Tavan Tol- sectors to develop, so there is that needs feasibility studies goi-Gashuunsukhait and Tavan an opportunity to connect the and blueprint. According to the EXPORTER Tolgoi-Zuunbayan railways will sector to the Northeast Asian sources of investment required Mongolia has had a mining- be completed, and major min- energy network and export it to for the implementation of these based economy in the past, which ing projects will be connected international markets. projects, 30 percent will be fi- is still the case nowadays. The to infrastructure and processing Moreover, the different types nanced by the Development Bank, rise and fall of world commod- plants will be established. Mea- of tourism, as well as SMEs and 7.5 percent by the state budget, ity prices impact directly on our sures will be taken to build new national products will be developed and 20.3 percent by concessions economy. Therefore, the policy Tavan Tolgoi and Erdeneburen in accordance with the regional and and public-private partnerships. to be pursued over the course hydropower plants and increase local features and based on natural, Subsequently, 36.6 percent will of next 30 years determined the the capacity of energy sources. historical and cultural heritage. In be covered by the state budget, priority sectors of the economy A project to build an oil refining addition, it will also be aimed at mixed sources with foreign loans which will be specifically sup- complex and secure the country's improving the tourism products, and aid or foreign loans alone, ported by government policies. fuel needs domestically is also services, quality and standards, while the rest will be partially The priority sectors are: planned. increasing competitiveness, and sup- resolved. 1. Value-added mining and It is planned to accumulate porting the production of national There are a number of chal- related infrastructure mega- a certain percentage of mining innovations, and branded products lenges in attracting foreign projects to address economic revenues in the National Wealth tailored to the nomadic culture of investment. 69.93 percent of the structure deficiencies and unsus- Fund, support priority sectors of Mongolia. total investment is in geology,

2050 2030 2025 0.9 0.85 2025 2030 2050 0.77 74 78 82

14 | MONGOLIA TODAY 35% of the total land, 75% of the rivers and 60% of the forests are planned to be taken under state protection in order to fulfil the responsibilites to protect, use and rehabilitate the environment for the future generations

Export

Inflation

mining exploration, mining and petroleum, 17.37 percent in trade and catering, and 12.7 percent in other sectors. In addition, most Mongolian laws, government documents, and websites of ministries and THE NINE FUNDAMENTAL GOALS OF government agencies are in Mongolian. Therefore, the government is focusing on translating laws and websites into English. 'VISION-2050' E-Mongolia is also working to ensure that anyone interested in cooperation and investment can get the services they want from ment of Mongolians, mature civil anywhere in the world. Moreover, it will ONE. COMMON NATIONAL VALUE service with well-organized administra- ensure the sustainable operation of the for- To create shared national values tive structure, shift to citizen-centered eign investment administration. Investors that can support the establishment of a public services based on electronic can visit the organization in person or by nation deeply cognizant of the concept technology, expand public-private-civil phone. This work is planned to be completed of national identity/distinctiveness by society cooperation in all fields, fully by 2024 to clarify the legal environment for ingraining “One Language, one history respect human rights and strengthen foreign investment. and one culture” rooted in scientific evidence provided by precise modern a system of justice that is mature and free of corruption. OPPORTUNITY TO REDUCE AIR scientific methodology in people. POLLUTION BY 80 PERCENT TWO. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT SIX. GREEN DEVELOPMENT To create equal access to a qual- To promote environmentally friendly Mongolians believe that it is possible to ity education which is the basis of the green development, maintain ecosystem move to a green civilization based on tra- country’s development, a guarantee of balance, ensure environmental sustain- ditional nomadic civilizations and modern quality life, a socially protected and life- ability, create conditions for present and efficient technologies. Therefore, in the “Vi- friendly environment for socially active future generations to benefit, and improve sion-2050” long-term development policy, and healthy Mongolian. the quality of human life. 35 percent of the total land, 75 percent of the rivers and 60 percent of the forests are THREE. QUALITY OF LIFE AND SEVEN. PEACE AND SECURITY planned to be taken under state protection MIDDLE CLASS OF THE SOCIETY in order to fulfil the responsibilities to pro- To create middle class that is able To strengthen the national defense ca- tect, use and rehabilitate the environment to lead a self-suffiecent life by run- pacity and ensure human and social secu- not only for the present but also for the ning competitive micro, small and rity by ensuring human rights, freedom, future well-being of the next generations. medium sized businesses in favorable social order, security of citizens' living There are plans to establish a national investment climate by supporting environment, and disaster risk reduction. park for endangered species of animals and employment, increasing household plants and a central laboratory for envi- income, backing up an active and EIGHT. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT ronmental analysis, to increase the size of productive family and providing af- To develop competitive and balanced forests to 9 percent and to triple the number fordable housing. in-country regions that respects the na- of watershed protection. tional culture, has a sustainable structure The OECD estimates that global air pol- FOUR. THE ECONOMY of human settlement system, preserves lution causes damage worth USD 500 per To create a self-sufficient and export- the natural environment and ecosystem person per year. The Government of Mon- oriented economy that have investment balance and is joined regional economic golia has banned the burning of raw coal and savings capacity while maintaining integration and develop green production in six districts of the capital city since May sustainable economic growth, expand- with economic diversification, specializa- 2019, and the introduction of Tavan Tolgoi ing middle class, reducing poverty and tion and cooperation. Fuel's improved briquettes has reduced air creating fundamentals of the economic pollution in Ulaanbaatar by 50 percent in development policy. NINE. ULAANBAATAR AND 2019-2020. Recently, another briquette SATELLITE CITIES plant was put into operation, which will FIVE. GOOD GOVERNANCE To develop into a livable, environ- provide households in all districts of the To establish smart and sustainable mentally friendly and human-centered capital city with the fuel and reduce air governance that ensures the develop- smart city. pollution by up to 80 percent.

2020 | 15 Reform S.MUNKHBAATAR M.ANUDARI, B.BATCHINEG M.ANUDARI,

Mongolia’s long-term development policy “Vi- sion-2050” and the Government’s Action Program for 2020-2024 outlined works to digitize government services at phases. In the framework of it, the Com- munications and Information Technology Authority (CITA) officially presented “E-Mongolia” unified digital service system to public on October 1, 2020. Currently, the system is offering 181 services of 23 government organizations. MONGOLIANS TO

cal achievement in governance, capita. Therefore, Mongolians BECOMING A information exchange between can become a digital nation in DIGITAL NATION government organizations will the first place. be accelerated alongside rapid www.e-mongolia.mn web During the launch of E- decision-making process. As a portal and “E-Mongolia” mobile Mongolia project, Prime Minister result, citizens will be provided application are allowing citizens U.Khurelsukh emphasized that with transparent, fast and ac- to get necessary government ser- the Government is working to cessible services without any vices any time from their home digitize government services bureaucracy. or workplace, not coming to any and develop good governance World countries started digi- government organization. that does not allow bribery and tizing their government services. With a view to increase usage Mongolia” electronic platform bureaucracy within a goal to cre- Mongolia has advantages of in- of the system, in collaboration are underway with cooperation ate “Good governance”, “Smart frastructure. What is more, all with mobile service providers, with Kewiko, wireless internet governance” and “Digital gov- aimags of Mongolia are connected a coordination has been made so services provider. ernance” that reflected in the to fiber optic cable networking that mobile data is provided free Further, another 492 ser- Government’s Action Program and the country leads in the of charge. Furthermore, works to vices offered by 50 public orga- for 2020-2024. world with the number of smart provide citizens with high speed nizations will be available on the With the use of technologi- phones and internet users per WIFI network when they use “E- system within 2021.

16 | MONGOLIA TODAY information delivery across the world for many centuries until invention of the first telegraph device and telephone. The advent of worldwide internet network enabled information exchange in the blink of an eye, enormously advancing the WE LEAD THE WORLD humankind development. Internet and mobile phone WITH OUR USE OF empower us to obtain all kinds of information and share them SMART PHONE AND with others without depending INTERNET TRANSITION on time and location. The terms According to a survey con- such as digital transition and the ducted by the Communications munications network by estab- fourth industrial revolution are and Information Technology DIGITAL CONSUMPTION lishing horse-based postal relay commonly used in the 21st cen- Authority, there were 3,800,000 in the 13th century. The horse- tury or digital technological era. mobile communication users (du- AND MONGOLIANS based postal relay, developed in So, are we, Mongolians ready for plicated counting) in Mongolia as According to the history, the full swing in the time of Ugudei the revolution? Yes, ready. The of 2019, and 2,439,000 of them Mongols founded the first com- Khaan, had become foundation of following facts prove it. were smart phone users.

2020 | 17 Reform

come close to citizens and become tions asking whether they would DIGITAL SERVICE SAVES people-centered. like to have it extended. There TIME AND MONEY Moreover, the system is are plans to further develop the expected to reduce bureaucracy platform to allow people to have Receiving state service online in state service, remove duplica- their documents extended with has many direct and indirect tion of job positions as well as to the click of the ‘yes’ button. positive impacts on citizens. In reduce paper consumption and The AI-based ‘CHIMEGE’ specific, it takes only five min- While, there were 2,910,000 social stress. As a result of these, speech recognition system has utes now to get digital service internet users. Interestingly, MNT 24 billion is estimated to be been introduced as well to al- while citizens spend 2 hours and Mongolia has 2.2 million Face- saved yearly from state budget. low people to search services by 30 minutes on average to obtain book users and 2.1 million of More specifically, MNT 492 voice. This makes the platform government services in a tradi- them are connected to Facebook million could be cut on annual accessible for persons with dis- tional form, taking into account through mobile phone. Consider- expenses related to paper-based abilities. Moreover, Chatbot the time to be spent on traffic ing the Mongolia’s total popula- document filings, MNT 2 billion system has been introduced for congestion and service queues. tion of 3.3 million, the survey and 463 million on postal service customer service improvement, Some citizens get government figure demonstrates the very expense, MNT 612 million on fuel allowing citizens to get support services twice to three times a high use. Moreover, the average expense and MNT 20 billion and at any time. In other words, month while some of them get time spent on Facebook per day 632 million on payment of wages people working and living abroad only once in a year. is 53 minutes globally while it is for employees. can get information about public So, in case one citizen re- 77 minutes in Mongolia. services whatever their time zone ceives six types of services in a Another study shows that 1.7 with the help of the Chatbot. million people use “E-barimt”, year, it means he/she spends 15 ARTIFICIAL VAT promotion system intro- hours or 2 work days a year to duced in 2016 with permanent get state services. Whereas, in INTELLIGENCE AND 6 MAJOR PROJECTS access of 500,000 users a day. case 7,580 citizens get govern- MORE OPPORTUNITIES In other words, it means around ment services in a day, they are IMPLEMENTED FOR spending a total of 18,950 hours Chairwoman of the Com- 85 percent of 2.1 million adult munications and Information DIGITAL citizens of Mongolia use digital in a year. In monetary terms, it means a citizen loses MNT 6,800 Technology Authority of Mon- tax system. It indicates that golia B.Bolor-Erdene says that, TRANSFORMATION Mongolians are already ready per an hour calculating that aver- Digital transformation did age salary of Mongolian citizens besides increasing the number to receive government services of services, the plan is to have not suddenly begin in Mongolia. through electronic platform. is MNT 1.2 million. Therefore, The previous governments made E-Mongolia system provides public services ‘find’ citizens using the advances in artificial efforts for digitalization and opportunity to save MNT 128 infrastructure improvement. COVID-19: LOCKDOWN million (by multiplying MNT intelligence rather than having the citizens seek them. For ex- Specifically, the Parliament of 6,800 by 18,950 hours), Head of Mongolia adopted the ‘Vision for LEADS CITIZENS TO USE the CITA B.Bolor-Erdene high- ample, 1 to 6 months before the expiry date of their passport, Mongolian ICT Development up E-MONGOLIA SYSTEM lights. The sum reaches MNT 46 to 2010’ in 2000 and the govern- billion per year. So, thanks to the identity card, or driver’s license, Up until now, citizens have a citizen would receive notifica- ment implemented the ‘Mid-term been obtaining government ser- system, government services will Strategy for ICT Development vices actively through online sys- in Mongolia’ between 2002 and tem. In particular, about 250,000 2006 and ‘E-Mongolia’ National users received government ser- Program between 2006 and 2012. vices online within two months Moreover, National Program on UNIFIED DIGITAL SERVICE SYSTEM since the launch of the service or Registration and Information 181 government services are available through as of December 7, 2020. www.e-mongolia.mn web portal and “E-Mongolia” System was implemented in Single day statistic shows mobile application 2008-2012, National Program that 4,957 people are served on Information Security in 2010- by E-Mongolia system. Over 2015, and National Program on one-month period when local High Speed Broadband in 2011- transmission cases of COVID-19 48 types of 26 types of 2015 and National Program on services for taxes services for recorded and the country shifted and payments government E-Government in 2012-2016. to strict-lockdown, citizens vis- registration Government Policy for ICT ited “E-Mongolia” system and Development is being implement- received their ordered documents ed in 2017-2025 and Three Pillar such as identification card, for- Development Policy and National eign passport and driving license Program on E-Governance in at home through postal delivery. 2018-2020. As part of the above- The statistic shows that mentioned policy documents and 1,500 citizens on average got 4 types of ser- 16 types of programs, the following major vices for social services for government services from E- insurance family projects on the development of Mongolia system per day in e-governance were implemented. November 2020. The number has increased to 4500 per day 5 types of 11 types of services services for for driving license NATIONAL DATA CENTER PROJECT on average in the first days of social welfare and transportation December in connection with the National Data Center respon- shift to strict lockdown due to 71 types for sible for ensuring stability, secu- other purposes COVID-19 pandemic. rity, and reliability of Mongolian

18 | MONGOLIA TODAY A complete transformation requires 7 years. However, the plan is to achieve 85 percent completion within the next 4 years.

WHO SAYS WHAT ABOUT E-MONGOLIA PROJECT?

Prime Minister of Mongolia U.KHURELSUKH: E-Mongolia Project paves the way for Mongolia to become a digital nation. We need to further develop the national electronic data system public service kiosk. a major problem in the digital IT industry and leverage the has been established and put transformation. E-Mongolia is opportunity to improve com- into service. The National Data KHUR ELECTRONIC DATA EXCHANGE the first step in resolving this petitiveness of our IT products Center integrated databases of problem. We will switch to the and services on the world 37 government organizations by PLATFORM Gov-Tech (Government Technol- market. The Government of the first half of 2018 and offers The introduction of Enter- ogy) platform integrating public, Mongolia will further take 211 services. It has become tech- prise Service Bus (ESB) based private and technology partner- step-by-step measures for the nologically feasible to further information exchange system ship in the future. A complete digitization of public services. increase the number of services ceased the practice where gov- transformation requires 7 years. to 2,000. ernment organizations used to However, the plan is to achieve establish agreements for informa- 85 percent completion within the SMART IDENTITY CARD PROJECT tion exchange. next 4 years. The key significance of the The integration will be made project is that it has ensured DAN INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF in this manner and it will be nec- secure authentication by storing AUTHENTICATION essary to install security servers the citizens’ digital signature DAN system was introduced and create legal frameworks for on a microchip installed in the to give citizens unified access personal information privacy and card. It opened up opportuni- to online public se bhhhrvices, e-governance interactions among ties for online accessibility of allowing them to get an array of the government, citizens, and Member of the Parliament public and other services and online public services and look up businesses. H.AMARTUVSHIN e-communications with govern- their information in government Therefore, the Parliament As a citizen, I deem the ment and business organizations. databases. The system works of Mongolia has amended the major project, implemented alongside the KHUR digital Parliament Law and established by the Government, is of great service system and Public Key Innovation and Digital Policy significance. We sure spend a PUBLIC KEY INFRASTRUCTURE Standing Committee responsible lot of our time and go through As part of the measures for Infrastructure system and is one of the systems that have key roles for the acceleration of ICT de- bureaucracy to get public ser- the implementation of the Law on velopment and improvement of vices. I see E-Mongolia as the Electronic Signature, the Public in increasing the accessibility and efficiency of public services, and the sector legal environment. key solution to the problem. Key Infrastructure project aimed “Now, the Parliament as well at introducing digital signature, the productivity of government organizations. as the new Standing Commit- ensuring secure authentication, tee have to adopt necessary and creating a reliable and safe laws and regulations urgently, environment for the development IMPORTANT STEP: PACK- particularly, the package laws of online public and private ser- AGE OF LAWS ON DIGITAL reflecting new regulations on vices was implemented in 2014. information security, privacy By the end of 2019, a total of TRANSFORMATION protection, data maintenance and 15,000 digital signatures were Researchers note that no- e-communications among public issued to companies to be used in madic Mongolians have lived organizations, private entities tax, social insurance, and public in severe weather for centuries and citizens,” said Member of Vice President of MCS procurement services. and are adaptable to any circum- the Parliament and Head of the Group D.ENKHTUVSHIN stances. The country of Mongolia Standing Committee N.Uchral. To me, digitizing public TUTS PUBLIC SERVICE KIOSK with vast expanses and a small He also expressed the willingness services appears to be a clever The project played an impor- population has every opportunity and readiness of Parliament and approach. I am glad that the tant role in reducing bureaucracy to become a digital nation in a the Standing Committee to co- Government is working along- by allowing citizens to quickly short period of time. operate with those concerned in side the private sector and and easily obtain some documents The inconsistency of public order to solve those vital issues came up with the initiative necessary for applying for public and private sectors and op- and bring Mongolia to the next ahead of it. services from the nearest TUTS erator companies has become level of the development.

2020 | 19 Mega projects M.UNURZUL CH.ARIUNBOLD

PROJECT IMPLEMENTER A project unit was established in 2016

Location: Shijigt Gorge of Khovd River, 25 km away from Erdeneburen soum’s center, Khovd aimag

The project duration: 2018-2024 Installed capacity: 90MW

Gross investment: USD300 million Source of funding: Chinese soft loan –MNT819,123,6 million State budget- MNT34,560,0 million 90MW ERDENEBUREN HYDROPOWER PLANT PROJECT

OBJECTIVE An objective of the project is to construct and put into gion with reliable domestic source, replace expensive imported operation a 90MW hydropower plant that will have multiple electricity with cheap electricity and act as a mode adjustment significance: to satisfy the growing needs of the western re- of the power system in the western region.

DESCRIPTION

There are 264,000 residents in the three western aimags and 390,000 residents in the five western aimags. The western region imports 78 percent of its energy from Russia and China. The imported energy costs 5-6 times higher than the domestically produced /Durgun HPP/. Every year, the government pays MNT 6-8 billion of subsidies for energy of the western region. The total consumption growth of the western region's central grid was around 8-11 percent in 2008-2014. The western region has abundant inbound water resources. It is home to large mining deposits such as the Asgat silver deposit, Khushuut coking coal deposit, oil reserves in the Great Lakes Depression, and Khalzan Burgedtei rare metals deposit, which are planned to be invested and exploited in the coming years. Moreover, it is planned to establish cement, steel, oil, meat and leather processing plants in the western region.

20 | MONGOLIA TODAY

ЭРДЭНЭБҮРЭНГИЙН 90 МВт-ЫН УСАН ЦАХИЛГААН СТАНЦ ТӨСӨЛ

Төсөл хэрэгжүүлэгч: Байршил: Ховд аймгийн Эрдэнэбүрэн сумын төвөөс 25 км зайд орших Ховд голын Шижигтийн Хавцалд

Төсөл хэрэгжих хугацаа: 2018-2024 Нийт хүчин чадал: 90МВт

Нийт хөрөнгө оруулалт: $300 сая ам.доллар

Төслийн нэгж 2016 онд Санхүүжилтийн эх үүсвэр: БНХАУ-ын байгуулагдсан хөнгөлөлттэй зээл– 819,123.6 сая , Улсын төсөв-34,560.0 сая ₮ ТӨСЛИЙН₮ ЗОРИЛГО Баруун бүсийн эрчим хүчний өсөн нэмэгдэж байгаа хэрэгцээг дотоодын найдвартай эх үүсвэрээр хангах, импортын өндөр үнэтэй цахилгаан эрчим хүчийг хямд эрчим хүчээр орлуулах, баруун бүсийн эрчим хүчний системийн горимын тохируулгын үүрэг гүйцэтгэх олон талын ач холбогдол бүхий 90 МВт-ын хүчин чадал бүхий усан цахилгаан станцыг бариж байгуулан ашиглалтанд оруулах.

90 MW hydropower plant will have multiple significance: toТӨСЛИЙН satisfy the ТУХАЙ growing needs of the western region with reliableБаруун domestic бүсийн source, 3 аймагт replace 264,000, expensive 5 аймагт imported390,000 хүн electricity оршин сууд withаг. Баруунcheap electricityбүс нь эрчим and хүчний хэрэглээнийхээ act as a mode adjustment78%-ийг ОХУ,of the БНХАУ-аасpower system импортоор in the western хангаж region байна. . Импортын эрчим хүч нь дотоодод үйлдвэрлэж буй / Дөргөний УЦС/ эрчим хүчнээс 5-6 дахин үнэтэй. Баруун бүсийн эрчим хүчний татааст улсаас жил бүр 6-8 тэрбум төгрөг төлж байна. Баруун бүсийн нэгдсэн сүлжээний нийт хэрэглээний өсөлт 2008-2014 онд дунджаар 8-11% байна. Баруун бүс нь дотогшоо урсгалтай усны арвин их нөөцтэй ба ойрын жилүүдэд хөрөнгө оруулалт хийж ашиглахаар төлөвлөж байгаа АсгатынSOCIAL мөнгө, ANDХөшөөтийн ECONOMIC коксжих SIGNIFICANCE нүүрс, Их нууруудын хотгорын нефть, Халзан бүргэдтэйн ховор металлын зэрэг уул уурхайн томоохон ордуудтай. Баруун бүсийн аймгуудад цементийн, гангийн, нефть, мах, арьс шир боловсруулах The western region’s үйлдвэрүүд energy байгуулагsystem, andдахаар further төлөвлөж the Uliastai-Altai байна. energy system, will be provided with cheap domestic sources.

 It НИЙГЭМ,will reduce greenhouseЭДИЙН ЗАСГИЙН gas emissions. АЧ ХОЛБОГДОЛ Specifically, it will reduce about 1.3 million tons of carbon emissions per year, which equals the burning of ap-  Баруун бүсийн эрчим хүчний систем, улмаар Улиастай-Алтайн систем дотоодын хямд эх үүсвэрээр proximately 756.6 thousand tons of coal. хангагдана.  Хүлэмжийн хийг бууруулна. During Жилд the ойролцоогоор HPP construction, 756,6 800-1000 мянган тоннpeople н үүрсwill be шатаасантай provided with тэнцэх хэмжээний нүүрсхүчлийн хий /ойролцоогоорtemporary jobs, 1,3 andсая тонн/-нafter the ялгаралтыг commissioning, буруу 70-100руулна. people will be employed permanently.  УЦС-ын барилгын ажлын үед 800-1000 хүн түр ажлын байраар, ашиглалтанд орсны дараа 70-100 хүн байнгын ажлын байраар хангагдана. Development zones of tourism, recreation and fishery will be established  Усан цахилгаан станцынon areas усан in the сангийн vicinity дагуу of the аялал hydropower жуулчлал, reservoir. амралт зугаалгын болон загасны аж ахуй хөгжүүлэх бүсийг бий болгоно.  Excessive water accumulation in the reservoir will increase the ambient  Усан санд ихээхэн ус хуримтлагдснаарhumidity and positively орчны influence агаарын the чийгшил local climate нэмэ andгдэж pastures. орон нутгийн уур амьсгал, бэлчээрт эерэг нөлөө үзүүлнэ.

Jobs during construction New permanent jobs 800-100 persons 70-100 persons

БОДЛОГО, ЭРХ ЗҮЙН ОРЧИН  “Алсын хараа-2050” Монгол Улсын урт хугацааны хөгжлийн бодлого, Монгол Улсыг 2021-2025 онд хэрэгжүүлэх хөрөнгө оруулалтын хөтөлбөр болонPOLICY Монгол AND LEGAL Улсын ENVIRONMENT Засгийн газрын 2020-2024 оны үйл ажиллагааны хөтөлбөрт тус тус туссан.  It has been reflected in the “Vision-2050” long-term development policy of Mongolia, Mongolia ТӨСЛИЙНInvestment ЯВЦProgram for 2021-2025 and Government’s Action Plan for 2020-2024.  Төслийг хэрэгжүүлэх төслийн нэгж байгуулагдсан. ТЭЗҮ, зураг төслийн ажлыг гүйцэтгэж байна.  Эрчим хүчний сайд Ц.Даваасүрэн 2019 оны 3 дугаар сар 15-ны өдөр БНХАУ Төрийн өмчит BIDR компанитай Хөрөнгө оруулагч талын хөнгөлөлттэй зээлийн үндсэн шаардлага болон үнэлгээний нөхцөлд нийцсэн хамтран ажиллах санамж бичгийг эргэн төлөхTHE PROJECTнөхцөлгүйгээ PROGRESSр байгуулсан.

 The project unit has been formed. Formulation of feasibility study and planning is underway.

 On March 15, 2019, Minister of Energy Ts.Davaasuren and the Chinese state-owned company “BIDR” signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation, which meets basic requirements of the Investor's soft loan and the evaluation conditions, without any repayment terms.

2020 | 21 MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Spinning Braiding STOLL Braiding SWG-X

Knitting Linking Finishing

FASHION OUTLETS OF CHICAGO USA. Address: 5220 Fashion Outlets of Chicago , Way Rosemont IL 60018, Khanbogd Cashmere Store Tel: +1 224 428 3708 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khanbogdcashmereusa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khanbogdcashmereusa/ E mail: [email protected] 22 | MONGOLIA TODAY Website: www.khanbogdcashmere.com MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Spinning Braiding STOLL Braiding SWG-X

Knitting Linking Finishing

FASHION OUTLETS OF CHICAGO USA. Address: 5220 Fashion Outlets of Chicago , Way Rosemont IL 60018, Khanbogd Cashmere Store Tel: +1 224 428 3708 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khanbogdcashmereusa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khanbogdcashmereusa/ E mail: [email protected] Website: www.khanbogdcashmere.com 2020 | 23 Mega projects

Project implementer MONGOL REFINERY STATE-OWNED COMPANY

Location: in Sainshand city of Dornogobi Aimag

The project duration: 2016-2023 Project capacity: 1.5 million tons of oil per year

Gross investment: MNT 3,771,780.0 million Source of funding: soft loan from India’s EXIM Bank- MNT 3,521,780.1 Development Bank of Mongolia- MNT250,000 million OIL REFINERY PROJECT

OBJECTIVE

The project aims to build an oil refinery to be relied on local foundations for a petrochemical industry that is a significant resources, supply Mongolia with oil products, and to lay the component of the oil and industrial complex.

DESCRIPTION

There will be a totally new sector in the country’s economy, laying the foundations for the petrochemical industry, a vital element of the complex industrial development. The establishment of an oil refinery that relied on domestic resources will ensure the country to put an end to import dependence. The refinery will have an annual capacity to process 1.5 million tons of crude oil and produce 560 thousand tons of gasoline, 670 thousand tons of diesel fuel, and 107 thousand tons of liquefied gas, which meet the Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards. Approximately USD150 million will be accumulated annually to the state and local budgets as taxes and fees.

24 | MONGOLIA TODAY The refinery will have an annual capacity to process 1.5 million tons of crude oil and produce 560 thousand tons of gasoline, 670 thousand tons of diesel fuel, and 107 thousand tons of liquefied gas, which meet the Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards.

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

 The oil refinery is critically important for the country to reduce the outflow of foreign exchange, sta- bilize market prices, reduce inflation, promote domestic manufacture of value-added products, and set up a new industrial center in the Gobi region.

 A pipeline for supplying crude oil from the Tamsag and Toson Uul oil fields to the refinery will be constructed.

 It will be possible to meet about 60 percent of domestic oil need.

 Along with the refinery, about 30 types of factories will be established, creating more than 1,000 jobs directly and indirectly.

POLICY AND LEGAL ENVIRONMENT

 It has been reflected in the “Vision-2050” long-term development policy of Mongolia, Mongolia Investment Program for 2021-2025, and Government’s Action Plan for 2020-2024.

 The “Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Oil Refinery to be built in the Gobi Region” was formulated according to Government Resolution No. 113, dated 2015, on “Measures to be taken on the oil refinery”.

 Government Resolution No. 21, dated 2018, on “Measures to be taken for infrastructure development of oil refinery project.”

THE PROJECT PROGRESS

 The Government of Mongolia began the work to develop a Detailed Feasibility Study for the Oil Refinery Project, and Engineers India Limited (EIL) of India was selected as the project management con- sultant. Thus, conditions have been set for the start of industrial engineering and planning works.

 As of January 2020, some of the railway works have been completed. Now preparations are underway to commence construction of the refinery, determing the pipeline route, and begin the pipeline construction works.

2020 | 25 Mega projects

Project implementer General contractor: “Mongolian Railway” state-owned company General executor for railway base infrastructure: the Armed Forces of Mongolia Railway superstructure work executor: “Ulaanbaatar Railway” joint venture Project supervisor: “Tavantolgoi Railway” LLC

Location: from Tavan Tolgoi in Umnugobi aimag to Zuunbayan in Dornogobi aimag

The project duration: 2019-2023

Gross invesment: MNT3,008,276.6 million Source of funding: Direct investment /Erdenes Tavantolgoi JSC/ 414.6 KM TAVAN TOLGOI- ZUUNBAYAN RAILWAY PROJECT

OBJECTIVE

The construction of the 414 km-long Tavan tation and export of mining and industrial products, Tolgoi-Zuunbayan rail line aims to export coking and boost the social and economic development of coal from the Tavan Tolgoi mine, increase transpor- the region.

DESCRIPTION

The Tavan Tolgoi-Zuunbayan railway will be built from the Tavan Tolgoi coal deposit in Tsogttsetsii soum, Umnugobi aimag to Zuun- bayan in Dornogovi aimag. The total length is 414.6 km, with one station and six crossings, the railroad will have a carrying capacity of 25 tons and a gauge of 1520 mm. On the 30 km areas in the vicinity of the Tavan Tolgoi – Zuunbayan railway route, there are a total of 37 licensed mineral deposits. They include large copper, coal, gold, gypsum, zeolite, and uranium deposits such as Tavan Tolgoi coal deposit, Tsagaan Suvarga copper mine, Kharma- gtai copper-gold deposit, as well as Manlai coal deposit, which all together has reserves of about 6 billion tons.

26 | MONGOLIA TODAY Government Resolution No. 135, dated April 10th of 2019, on “Measures to be taken for the 414.6km Tavan Tolgoi-Zuunbayan railway project.”

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

 As the railway is commissioned, it will give significant influence to the development of the Mongolian mining sector, increasing the price of mining products, reducing transportation costs, and reaching overseas markets through China and Russia.

 It will be possible to double the export of Tavan Tolgoi’s coking coal.

 15 million tons of freight will be shipped per year.

 Along with the development of railway infrastructure, pasture degradation, dust, noise, soil and air pollution problems will be considerably reduced.

 The construction of the railway will have a significant impact not only on the mining sector but also on other sectors and their logistics.

POLICY AND LEGAL ENVIRONMENT

 It has been reflected in the “Vision-2050” long-term development policy of Mongolia, Mongolia Investment Program for 2021-2025, and Government’s Action Plan for 2020-2024.

 Government Resolution No. 135, dated April 10th of 2019, on “Measures to be taken for the 414.6km Tavan Tolgoi-Zuunbayan railway project.”

THE PROJECT PROGRESS

 Currently, dam construction is running with 91.87 percent performance. Moreover, construction of bridges is running at 44.16%, pipelines -- 90%, stations and crossings -- 47%, power lines -- 18.02%, concrete railway sleepers –38%, wells -- 100% and others.

 The railway superstructure has been built for 47 km from Zuunbayan. A total of 87 companies and 6,153 people with 2,871 machinery and vehicles are working for the infrastructure earthworks.

2020 | 27 Mega projects

Project implementer NALAIKH CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL PRODUC- TION AND TECHNOLOGY PARK

Location: 3rd khoroo, Nalaikh district, Ulaanbaatar city

The project duration: 2017-2027

Gross investment: MNT152,310.70 million Source of funding: Unresolved source of funding -MNT133,635.6 million,

MNT18,675.1 million – State and municipal budgets NALAIKH CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY PARK PROJECT

OBJECTIVE

The project goal is to introduce scientific achievements and develop a complex of production, technology, trade, and and advanced technologies in the construction materials sec- services that have a modern industrial infrastructure and a tor, promote the production of import-substituting products, favorable business environment.

DESCRIPTION

 Almost half of Mongolia’s population live in the capital city, where most industries and factories also have concentrated. Therefore, it is important to develop production of construction materials required to construct various buildings designed to provide comfortable working and living conditions for citizens in new residential areas out of the capital city.

 Park construction: Railway 12km, water supply 8.96 l/sec, road 29 km, sub-station 2x16 kV 2.69 km, thermal power plant 26 MW, greenery-- 30% of the total area, 18.6 km network line, waste treatment plant, gray water treatment plant

28 | MONGOLIA TODAY Domestic production of construction materials is projected to increase 1.7 times. The production volume in the Nalaikh district will grow by 32 times.

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

 The project will create 1,500 new jobs. As it de- velops in conjunction with other projects, it will create more than 10,000 jobs.

 Domestic production of construction materials is projected to increase 1.7 times. The production volume in the Nalaikh district will grow by 32 times.

 The cost of construction materials will drop, which will further influence the reduction in the cost of buildings

 It will affect the decentralization of the city.

POLICY AND LEGAL ENVIRONMENT

 It has been reflected in the “Vision-2050” long-term development policy of Mongolia, Mongolia Investment Program for 2021-2025, Government Action Plan for 2020-2024, and Ulaanbaatar City Development Master Plan 2030.

THE PROJECT PROGRESS

A total of MNT18.7 billion was spent on the construction of the Park, with the performance of the following works.

 In accordance with the “Regulation on supporting and monitoring the operation of the industrial and technology park,” a contract has been signed with 21 companies, which have introduced high technology and are environmentally friendly, and construction of six factories have commenced.

 The Park's feasibility study, general and partial plans, infrastructure work drawings, Environmental Impact Assessment Report, and hydrogeological survey have been completed.

 A 660 m2 office and service building that temporarily accommodates factories of the Park, has been operating since 2016.

 Groundwater resources were identified, four functional boreholes were drilled, and two deep wells were put into operation. In 2018, the construction of a flood protection facility was completed.

 The first 630 kVA substation was commissioned, which fully resolved the electricity required for the construction of the factories. A contractor has been selected to build the first 110 kV substation and control building for the Park's main power supply.

 An improved unpaved road to the Park was built in 2016 and is currently being paved. The construction of paved roads and sidewalks is now 80 percent complete.

2020 | 29 The birthplace of Great Emperor Chinggis Khaan – Man of the Millennuim, is a place called “Deluun Boldog” in Dadal soum of Khentii aimag. Therefore, the center of Khentii aimag was named Ching- M.UNURZUL gis city. It is situated in a region of outstanding natural beauty, yet only a day's (331 km) drive from

B.ALTANKHUYAG Ulaanbaatar. The aimag is renowned for its many historical places related to the life of Chinggis Khaan - it is the place where he was born, grew up, came to power, was enthroned, and, according to tradition, the place where he was also buried. The travel route for these places is being provided as follows. Traveling Chinggisthrough Khaan's HISTORIC PLACES

1.TSONJIN BOLDOG

According to historical sources, Chinggis Khaan found a whip on a hill named “Tsonjin Boldog” on his way back to Burkhan Haldun Mountain after visiting Khereid Van Tooril. The world’s largest equestrian statue of Chinggis Khaan, a 131- foot (40 m) tall statue of Chinggis Khaan on horseback, was created on the hill “Tsonjin Boldog” in Erdene soum of Tuv aimag, along the road from Ulaanbaatar to Khentii aimag. The statue is symbolically pointed east towards his birthplace. 55km from Ulaanbaatar

30 | MONGOLIA TODAY 2.KHAR ZURKHNII KHUKH NUUR

Khar Zurkhnii Khukh Nuur, translated as ‘Blue Lake of Black Heart,’ is located in Tsenkhermandal soum of Khentii aimag. It is a place of natural beauty and historical significance. The Khar Zurkh is the sharp topped mountain on the north side of the lake, which is a very important place in Mongolian history, especially of Chinggis Khaan. Here Temuujin (Chinggis Khaans’s childhood name) was enthroned in 1189 as the ruler of the united tribes of Mongolia and given the title “Chinggis Khaan,” which means Oceanic Great Ruler. The surrounding area of Khukh Nuur is quiet, peaceful and wonderful for hiking and relaxation. The surroundings of Khar Zurkh Moun- tain's Khukh Nuur Lake are a combination of forest and taiga region where larch, birch, poplar forest, willows, bushes grow together. Lake Khukh and Mount Khar Zurkh are one of the key places mentioned in the Secret History of the Mongols. On the bank of the lake, there is a monument dedicated to the 840 anniversary of Chinggis Khaan’s birth and wood carvings of the 36 royal or golden lineage rulers placed in a crescent-shaped area with a diameter of 108 meters surrounding the monument. Wood carvings of Chinggis Khaan, his father Yesukhei, his mother Oulen, and his queen Borte Ujin are displayed on the central part of the site. This memorial complex consists of 50 wood carvings, including the nine marshals of Chinggis Khaan, at both sides of the main gate. 170 km from “Tsonjin Boldog”

2020 | 31 Travel

3.BURKHAN KHALDUN MOUNTAIN

Burkhan Khaldun is a state worshipped mountain, located in Umnudelger soum of Khentii aimag, and a Strictly Protected Area, and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 under the title "Great Burkhan Khaldun Mountain and its surrounding sacred landscape." . According to the “Secret History of the Mongols,” Chinggis Khaan, in his childhood, fleed from his enemies and survived in the Burkhan Khaldun Mountain. 279km from Ulaanbaatar city

5.KHAJUU BULAG SPRING

Khajuu Bulag, the mineral water spring, is located in about 2km from Deluun Boldog, in Dadal soum of Khentii aimag. The historical sources say that it is a place where Temujin, the future Chinggis Khaan, was washed after he was born. 174km from “Uglugchiin Kherem”

4.UGLUGCHIIN KHEREM/UGLUGCH WALL

Uglugchiin Kherem is situated 45km southwest of Batshireet soum in eastern Mongolia. It is supposed to have been built as the fortress of archers in the 12-14th century, but it still exists in an excellent order. Literally meaning the ‘Almsgivers Wall,’ also known as Chinggis Khaan’s Castle, the structure has a length of 3km, is 3 feet wide and 8-10 feet high. It is made completely of stones without the use of any mortar. At its highest, it stands 3.1 meters. It was once thought to have been a defensive work or a game preserve. Today, however, archeologists consider that the wall may have been part of a burial complex for great Mongolian figures; archaeological digs have identified at least 60 ancient graves within the walls, indicating that it may have been a royal cemetery. The cliff in the middle of the wall that is clearly visible from a far distance is called "Chinggis's horse harness". 458 km from Ulaanbaatar city

32 | MONGOLIA TODAY Kherlen’s Khuduu Aral, located in Delgerkhaan soum of Khentii aimag, is a historical place that was heart of the Great Mongol Empire because the Great Khuraldai convened and Ch- inggis Khaan, Ogedei, Guyug and Munkh khaans were enthroned there.

6.DELUUN BOLDOG

Deluun Boldog is a large hill above the junction of the Onon and Balj Rivers, which extends from the right bank of the Onon River to the northeast. It has a horse spleen-like shape and is located near Gurvan Nuuriin Rashaan sanatorium in Dadal soum. Here Chinggis Khaan was born in 1162 as the oldest child of Yesukhei Baatar and Oulen. The spleen like shape is more visual from a distance.

14km from Khajuu Bulag, 580km from Ulaanbaatar

7.THE MONUMENT OF GREAT CHINGGIS KHAAN

A monument was erected next “Chinggis Khaan myself don’t to Gurvan Nuur spring in Dadal matter if only my state is in peace soum in 1962 to commemorate and in order”. On the back of the the 800th birth anniversary of monument, another inscription is Chinggis Khaan. In front of the written, saying, “Dedicated to the monument, shaped like a mountain 800th birth anniversary of Ching- peak, a figure of Chinggis Khaan gis Khaan, a founder of the Great was carved on a white stone, and Mongol Empire”. in the upper-right part, there is a white coat of arms. There is an inscription of traditional Mongolian script on the monument saying, 8.KHERLEN'S KHUDUU ARAL, MONUMENT FOR 8km from “Deluun boldog”, 600km from THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE MONGOLS Ulaanbaatar city Kherlen’s Khuduu Aral, located in Delgerkhaan soum of Khentii aimag, is a historical place that was heart of the Great Mongol Empire because the Great Khuraldai convened and Chinggis Khaan, Ogedei, Guyug and Munkh khaans were enthroned there. A steppe covering 600 square km and surrounded by three rivers; hence its name - the Kherlen’s Khuduu Aral, translated as Kherlen’s island, is the place where the 'Secret History of the Mongols,' the oldest surviving literary work in the Mongolian language, was written in the beginning of the 13th century. In 1990 or on the 750th anniversary of the Secret History of the Mongols, a 4-meter-high monument was erected, with a verti- cal portrait of Chinggis Khaan on the front and the last words of the “Secret History of the Mongols” engraved on the right side. 250km from Ulaanbaatar

2020 | 33 A.MUNKHZUL B.ALTANKHUYAG

parts of the cast in the film. As for Mongolian actors, some 30 actors were involved as extras aside from NomadicNomadicTs.Tserenbold creating the role of a shaman. ON THE The story starts with bumpy relations in the family. However, the boy Wes believes that he is a long-lost Mongolian nomad born HOLLYWOOD far away from where he was supposed to be. Soon they come across an aspiring filmmaker, with whom SCREEN they go on a journey to Mongolia. The boy finally arrives where he has wanted to be, and filmmaker lifelife Ismail gets started on his docu- mentary. And that is where it all begins. MARCO POLO AND ing in the film. The cast also in- actions of his role. On the other Tourism in the country, reli- cluded Foremost Cultural Worker, hand, the most famous travel notes gious ceremonies, nomadic way of AMARSAIKHAN actor A.Tsegmid, Ts.Tserenbold, of Marco Polo are inseparable from life, the relations between humans, and professional archers as well as the history of Mongolia. Thus, animals, and nature, the kind (MARCO POLO) actress A.Bayartsetseg, coming to there is no doubt about the impor- hearted nature of people, the beau- The first Mongolian actor to a total of some 30 Mongolian actors tance of Mongolian actors in the tiful wide open lands, traditions, create a role in a Hollywood series and performers. making of the film. and the national festival—many is Foremost Cultural Worker, Marco Polo is one of the great- events are shown on the screen actor B.Amarsaikhan. He cre- est explorers that is well-known through the character of the boy ated the role of Ariq Boke, the throughout the world from the THE PATH TO REACH THEIR younger brother of Kublai Khaan Middle Ages. The notes he wrote DREAM in a famous Netflix series, ‘Marco about the people’s way of life, their Polo’. Ariq Boke—the son of the religion and beliefs, and the land (BURN YOUR MAPS) youngest son of Chinggis Khaan, they lived in during his journeys The film ‘Burn Your Maps’ Tului and his queen Sorghaghtani to many empires and states as a by famous Hollywood director Beki, was enthroned as the Khaan messenger and representative for Jordan Roberts that was released of the Great Mongol Empire in Kublai Khaan of the Yuan Dynasty last year is about a boy named Karakorum in 1260, but he faced of the Great Mongol Empire for 17 Wes who dreams of becoming a defeat against his brother Kublai. years was his book - the ‘Book of Mongolian herder. The role was With the producer of the the Marvels of the World’, which created by a young actor named Marco Polo series from the Mon- was the first work to introduce Jacob Tremblay. Famous Holly- golian side as M.Orgil and cultural Mongolia to the world. The film wood actors such as Vera Farmiga advisor as A.Byambadorj, Mongo- was also created based on the book. who became well-known for her lian traditional folk music band Actor B.Amarsaikhan proved roles in ‘The Conjuring’ and ‘Bates ‘Khusugtun’ was the one behind how skillful of an actor he is Motel’, Marton Csokas for his role the traditional melody of morin through his improvised moments in ‘Aeonflux’, and Suraj Sharma khuur and flute paired with sing- as well as the determined look and for his role in ‘Life of Pi’ were also

34 | MONGOLIA TODAY who loves Mongolia. African-born author John Maxwell Aside from giving an oppor- Coetzee, the film was directed by tunity to see a nation’s culture two-time Cannes Festival award and civilization through a child’s winning director Ciro Guerra. Os- innocent point of view, some critics car-winner Mark Rylance, Johnny have considered Burn Your Maps Depp, and Robert Pattinson who to be a work that puts hope in the became well known through his hearts of many children all around roles in Twilight and Harry Potter the world who could not turn their and the Goblet of Fire played the dreams into reality. And of course, film’s main characters. it is also unique that the main pro- The female lead character was tagonist’s dream destination was created by B.Ganchimeg (Gana Mongolia, the homeland of nomads Bayarsaikhan), and she was cast with exquisite untouched nature. by the man himself - the author of the novel, ‘Waiting for the Bar- barians’, J.M.Coetzee. Alongside THE BIGGEST STEP the actress, State Honored Actor (WAITING FOR THE P.Tserendagva, D.Gursed, and up-and-coming actor G.Dulguun- BARBARIANS) Erdene also created supporting roles. In the film, a total of 14 Mongolian actors and performers were involved in the entire cast of the film including main and supporting characters as well as extras. ‘Black Stallion’ production worked on the film from the Mongolian side. In addition, the language of the natives in the film was also decided to be Mongolian. Film producer Mi- chael Fitzgerald has said in a video on the production's Face- book page, “Without the help of the production and all the Mon- golian actors, we wouldn’t The film that had built up have our film.” This state- high expectations this year was the ment alone explicitly tells film, ‘Waiting for the Barbarians’. us about the importance of Adapted from the Noble award- Mongolian actors partici- winning novel written by South pating in the film.

2020 | 35 WORLD HERITAGE THE “TOSON-KHULSTAI” BIOSPHERE RESERVE

he Toson-Khulstai Nature Biosphere Reserve will contribute to the Climate Reserve of Mongolia was des- World Network of Biosphere Reserves Average air temperature is -20.3°C in Tignated as a UNESCO’s Bio- through implementation of the related January and +20.8°C in July. The annual sphere Reserve by the International strategies and action plans and cooperate precipitation is 199.2-284.8 mm. Co-ordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man with the member countries of the related and the Biosphere Programme (MAB-ICC) international, regional and sub-regional Fauna meeting, which was held online from 27 networks to jointly implement and con- The Toson Khulstai Biosphere Reserve to 28 October 2020. tribute to the Sustainable Development is habitat for as many as 208 species The Biosphere Reserve “Toson-Khul- Goals. of plants, 33 species of mammals, 139 stai” is located in North-Eastern Mongo- birds, 3 species of reptiles, and 2 species lia, in a transition area between forest Temperate grassland of amphibians. steppe and grassland ecosystems. The The Mongolian Steppe is one of Common species of the Biosphere area is part of the largest intact tem- the last remaining intact temperate Reserve are the Tolai hare, the Siberian perate grassland on Earth. The aim of grasslands in the world. Globally, the marmot, the Brandt’s vole, the Corsac the Biosphere Reserve is to protect the Temperate Grasslands biome is the most fox, the Red fox, and the Pallas’s cat. low mountains, rolling hills, and dry converted and least protected (Hoekstra In addition, Daurian hedgehogs, Dau- steppe ecosystems that are the habitat 2005). However, in Mongolia these tem- rian ground squirrels, Siberian jerboas, of Mongolian gazelle and other wildlife perate grasslands are still relatively un- and Campbell’s hamsters have been such as the globally endangered White converted and continue to support most registered. There are 139 bird species naped crane, the upland buzzard, the of the region’s historic wildlife and plant registered, including the Upland buzzard, steppe eagle and the Siberian marmot. communities, as well as a traditional pas- Saker falcon, Lesser kestrel , Steppe eagle, Furthermore, the Biosphere reserve toral society. The main ecosystem types Ruddy shelduck, aims to protect the following 8 target are dry steppe and moderate dry steppe. Common shelduck, Common golden- species and ecosystems. These include eye, Swan goose, Whooper swan, Dem- Mongolian gazelles, gray wolves, Mongo- Cultural properties oiselle crane , White-naped crane, and lian marmots, medium sized carnivores, The remains of the city of Kherlen Grey heron . lakes, rocky outcrops, stipa grassland Bars is located in Tsagaan Ovoo county Most importantly, the area is an ecosystems and springs. area, which is 600 m from the south important habitat of the Mongolian About 200 herder families with ap- border of the core area. This city was gazelle and proximately 91,000 head of cattle live part of the historic Khitan Empire (Liao Globally endangered White-naped within the territory of the core area of dynasty) during the 10th and 11th cen- crane. The Mongolian gazelle is regarded the Biosphere Reserve and the livelihood turies. There is a tower about 7 meters as an herbivore and ecosystem-engineer- of these families strongly depend on high and researchers believe that this was ing species as it affects plant composition ecosystem services provided by the area a watchtower back then. and diversity through migration across including seasonal grazing and freshwater the vast Stipagrassland steppe (Tsagan, for livestock and people. Topography 1980; Zahler et al., 2003). It is also con- The Tsengeleg lake in the Buffer Zone Average elevation is 900-1000 m sidered an indicator species for ecosystem of the Biosphere Reserve was identified above sea level. The highest point is health of the eastern Stipa steppe region. as an Important Bird Area (IBA) site 1240.5m (Norovlin ovoo) and the lowest Due to high pressure of over-hunting recognized by Birdlife International. The point is 767.4 m (North of Hoton lake). during recent years, its population has

36 | MONGOLIA TODAY been greatly reduced. According to the IUCN Regional Red List assessment (Clark et al., 2006) the species has been listed as nearly threatened. Flora There are 208 plant species registeredand the most common species include Caragana mi- crophylla, Stipa krylovii, Stipa sibirica, Stipa capillata, Poa attenuata, Koeleria macrantha, Cleistogenes squarrosa, Leymus chinensis, Artemisia frigida, Astragalus mongholicus, Al- lium condensatum, and Carex duriucula. Plant species that are found around salt marsh lakes and ponds include Puccinellia tenuiflora, P. hauptiana, and Suaeda cornicu- lata. Medicinal and rare plants species include Rosa aciculars, Thermopsis lanceolata, Plantago major, Lilium pumilum, Cleisto- genos squarrosa, Festuca lenen- sis, Stipa baicalensis, Filifolium sibiricum, and Iris dichotoma.

2020 | 37 Reportage M.ANUDARI B.ALTANKHUYAG B.ALTANKHUYAG S.MUINKHBAATAR T.CHIMGEE, A.MUNKHZUL T.CHIMGEE,

LEGEND AWAKENING HUNNU ROCK

The HU band from Mongolia has cov- and throat singing without disregarding version of ‘Sad But True’ in our language ered Metallica’s ‘Sad But True’ in hunnu the original version gives listeners a new and in the style of The HU,” band member rock. So rock fans are now enjoying a experience. Galbadrakh said in a statement. unique version of the classic that has over The HU earned No. 3 on Billboard's The HU's rendition is in the ‘The Best 142 million streams on Spotify. World Digital Song Sales chart of the week of Better Noise Music: 15 Years of Rock’ The world recognizes that The HU of December 19, 2020, with their version compilation series by ‘Better Noise Music’ that pioneered hunnu rock has garnered of 'Sad But True'. label the band works with. The series will tens of millions of streams on Spotify ‘Sad But True’ by the legendary run throughout 2021. and 137 million views on YouTube since Metallica that was released in 1993 has its inception in 2016. Rockers around the 142 million streams on Spotify and 52 world know that the band pioneered hunnu million views on YouTube. “Like millions Hunnu Rock Let’s look back on the past achieve- rock by pairing Mongolian traditional folk of people around the world, Metallica has ments of the band that mixes Eastern and music instrumentation and metal music been a huge influence and inspiration for Western culture. with throat singing. us as music fans and musicians. We ad- ‘Yuve Yuve Yu’ and ‘Wolf Totem’ are The cover of the rock legend’s song mire their 40 years of relentless touring proof that they have reached their goal to has attracted much attention. The way and the timeless, unique music they have conquer the world like Chinggis Khaan that the cover was sung in Mongolian with created. It is a great honor to show them with hunnu rock. Specifically, the two the accompaniment of traditional music our respect and gratitude by recording a

38 | MONGOLIA TODAY With the waters of Orkhon River noisily flowing at the northern mountain slopes, the Bituud Valley looks absolutely charming in the first month of autumn.

songs released in the fall of 2018 went viral, garnering 25 million views on YouTube in a month. The music videos now have 45 to 65 million views on YouTube. In April 2019, ‘Wolf Totem’ became the first Mon- golian song to reach No. 1 on Billboard's Hard Rock Digital Song Sales. Also, ‘Yuve Yuve Yu’ ranked 7th on the same chart while ‘Wolf Totem’ debuted at No. 22 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart. Their first album ‘Gereg’ that debuted last year on September 13 hit No. 1 on the World Albums chart by Billboard. Last year, the band made its first tour with perfor- mances at 23 music festivals in 13 European cities between June and July. Also, last year, from September to December, they successfully played over 60 shows in cities across the United States. The band currently has no tour plans due to the coronavirus pandemic. The band’s fan base has expanded further following their collaborations with Danny Case of From Ashes to New on ‘Yuve Yuve Yu’ and Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach on ‘Wolf Totem’. The new version of ‘Wolf Totem’ will be featured in the upcoming horror film ‘The Retaliators’. The band also made the theme song for ‘Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order’ video game. President of Mongolia Kh.Battulga awarded the band the highest state decoration of Mongolia - the Chinggis Khaan Order - for creating a new musical genre that is ‘the hunnu rock’ by blending the im- measurable heritage of traditional Mongolian culture and folk arts reflecting the glory and proud history of the Great Mongol Empire and the forefathers with the rhythm and melody of modern music; promoting its music in Mongolian lyrics around the world, and propagating a good image of the country and its people. During its COVID-19 Relief Effort Fundraising Concert aired on June 28 on YouTube, the band announced that it plans to release its second album in 2021.

2020 | 39 Reportage B.BATCHIMEG B.ALTANKHUYAG

40 | MONGOLIA TODAY Animals in Red Book MONGOLIAN

An exhibition entitled “Ghost of the Mountains” by photographer B.Myatav truly caught my interest. The exhibition features around 70 photos, of which over 30 were photographs of birds, rabbit, ground-squirrel and remaining over 40 were photos of snow leopard, which is considered as endangered species in Mongolia.

Hearing that snow leopards leopard population in the world few tracks have been discovered in are inhabiting Gurvansaikhan inhabit in the country. the Khuvsgul and Khangai Moun- Mountain of Umnugobi aimag, pho- Unfortunately, poachers hunt tain ranges. tographer B.Myatav headed there snow leopard for its beautiful fur It is necessary to tighten cus- three years ago. By dint of waiting as well as its bones and body parts toms control so that illegal trade the moment patiently from sunrise as they are used for traditional of snow leopard’s body parts, bones to sunset when leopard comes out medicine. On the other hand, in and fur can be eliminated. Further, of den, he could capture only one the last over decade, the heads of scientists conclude that providing photo from the distance of 400 me- livestock have been significantly monetary assistance and support by ter. Alongside making him happy, increased and overgrazing occurs the Government and law enforce- this gave hope to the photographer in mountainous areas. As a result, ment organizations on adding units to re-capture photos of snow leop- the Ibex and Argali, prey species and patrol teams for combating ard. Since that he decided to take of snow leopard, have been pushed illegal hunting in the snow leop- photos of snow leopard and spent away from their suitable habitats. ard’s habitat areas is the priority a whole year starting from August Due to lack of wild preys, the action to take. Also creating and 2019. In doing so, he found out that snow leopard attacks at domestic developing mechanism for defining four snow leopards are living in the livestock. To protect their herds, current condition of snow leopard mountain’s cave. herders sometimes kill snow leop- population inhabiting mountainous This creature called “Snow ards in retribution. areas of Khangai and Khuvsgul and leopard” is a symbol of high moun- resolving issue on livestock pasture tains not only in Mongolia but CONSERVATION on its habitat area would bring also Central Asia. Body length of The World Wildlife Founda- crucial impact to the snow leopard matured individual is 103-130 cm, tion has been taking and realizing conservation. tail length is 92-105 cm. Although various measures. Since 2008, 23 Snow leopard gives birth during the creature belongs to “Big cat spe- individual snow leopards have been the summer months and cubs open cies”, it is least studied than other equipped with GPS collars in Toson their eyes at around seven days old. species. Snow leopards can survive Bumba Mountain of Gurvantes Summer is the most responsible and adapt to harsh climate where soum of Umnugobi aimag and spe- month for the snow leopard to oxygen is less or live at an altitude cific outcomes have been made as breed its offspring and also cubs above 3000 meters. thoroughly studied some ecological learn to hunt. They can survive in According to a survey report issues of the snow leopard including harsh rugged conditions at minus published on the latest issue of habitat areas, surviving ability of a 35 to minus 40 Celsius degree in “The Journal Heredity”, 4.000- cub, migration and mating season. winter and can endure cold above 6.000 head of snow leopards left in A study on the creature started minus 40 Celsius degree. Snow wild on our planet. The number has from 1998. leopard’s wide, fur-covered feet act increased to around 7.000-8.000 by Conservation works have also as natural snowshoes and protect the survey conducted last year, but begun and the snow leopard was from the cold. it is small for the leopard popula- included in the list of very rare spe- If the snow leopard becomes tion. Poaching, climate change and cies by the Law on Hunting of 1995 extinct, other rare species of infrastructure issues are the main aside from being listed as extremely endangered animals inhabiting causes of low growht of leopard rare animal outlined in Mongolia’s Mongolia will face a high risk of population and the issues have not Law on Fauna in 2000 and listed extinction aside from bringing been resolved completely. as very rare species in the second adverse impacts to the natural Snow leopards can be found in edition of Mongolian Red Book. eco system. Therefore, there is no Central Asian 12 countries. Mon- In Mongolia, total area of snow limit for deeds of people including golia is home to 800-1000 snow leopard habitat is about 103.000 photographer B.Myatav for making leopards, the second largest popula- sq.km. Density of leopard popula- people aware of significance of snow tion in the world. In other words, tion is higher in Mongol Altai and leopard, and focusing attention on 20 percent of the estimated snow Gobi-Altai Mountains. Also very its population growth.

2020 | 41 Sports TS.BALJMAA D.ULZIISAIKHAN E.ERDENEJARGAL L.NANDINTSETSEG BASKETBALL 3X3 WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY KNOWN AS A STREET SPORT IS RAPIDLY DEVELOPING AROUND THE WORLD AND EVEN RECENTLY HAVE OFFICIALLY BECOME A SUMMER OLYMPIC SPORT.

Basketball 3x3 which has originally been known as a street sport is rapidly developing around the world and even recently have officially become a Summer Olym- pic sport. Mongolians got familiar with the sport back in the ‘70s and the new generations of athletes have been achieving remarkable success in the world scene. One of the evidences that Mongolia is a rising powerhouse is that the country ranked 12th in the latest ranking announced by FIBA 3x3. The Mongolian team - “Ulaan- baatar MMC Energy have been invited, for the first time, to participate in the “FIBA World MONGOLIAN 3X3 BASKETBALL TEAM tour Masters final” which brought together the world’s top 12 teams who successfully participated FIBA 3x3 Grand Slam tourna- NAMED ONE OF WORLD’S TOP 12 TEAMS

ments. As for this tournament, the team placed 10th, proving the fact that they are unarguably one of top-10 teams in the world. This event certainly should be highlighted as the best sports achievement acquired by Mon- golian athletes in 2020. Moreover, FIBA announced the updated world rankings of Basketball 3x3 players on January 7 which included four players of the Mongolian men’s team, particularly D.Delgernyam ranked 44th /1st in Asia/, E.Dulguun ranked 53rd /2nd in Asia/, E.Tserenbaatar ranked 69th /4th in Asia/ and A.Anand ranked 77th /6th in Asia/ in the world top-100 ranking. In May 2021, Austria will host FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualify- ing tournament and it will be the first Olympic Qualifying tournament since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. In this tournament, Mongo- lian team has been seeded in the Pool-A alongside Polish, Brazil- ian, Turkish and Czech teams. Moreover, it is noteworthy that Mongolian women's 3x3 basketball team became the first in the history of Mongolian team sports to be qualified to participate in the Tokyo-2020 Summer Olympic Games. 42 | MONGOLIA TODAY www.montsame.mn

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