CEO DR. OLIVER SCHNORR AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE
DMUV WAS A SPEAKER AT THE IHK COLOGNE ROUNDTABLE WEBINAR JOINTLY WITH THE
GERMAN AMBASSADOR ON NOVEMBER 4.
Together with H.E. Ambassador Rosenberg Dr. Schnorr gave a presentation about the market potentials of Mongolia and cooperation opportunities for German companies.
More than 30 company representatives followed the invitation and attended the online meeting. This kind of information event was organized the second year in a row by DMUV in cooperation with the local chamber of commerce in Cologne.
CEO DR. OLIVER SCHNORR AS PRESIDENT OF DMUV
ATTENDED THE MONTHLY BOARD MEETING OF EUROCHAM MONGOLIA
Dr. Schnorr was representing German-Mongolian Business Association which closely cooperates with its European partners in connecting businesses and advocating for companies' interests. As the biggest binational business group in Mongolia DMUV represents the interests of its member companies by board representation on a European level.
KNOWLEDGE SHARING MEETING
Representing Euro-Khan LLC, the Sales Director Mr. Bolor Sainbayar and Mr. Munkhdalai, Sales Manager participated in the Knowledge Sharing Meeting held by The Business Council of Mongolia.
This time, the meeting was facilitated by Mrs. Erdenechimeg D, Oyu Tolgoi's Senior Underground Training Specialist, Project Leadership, and Coaching Program Manager.
During the meeting, the facilitator and participants shared their knowledge on these following subjects:
-How to lead the team and improve team productivity,
-Strengthen and develop cooperation
-How to use time effectively etc.
We would like to thank the Business Council of Mongolia, which regularly organizes meetings and events for cooperation and development between the members and partners.
VIEGA. CONNECTED IN QUALITY.
From November 2020, we are pleased to announce that Euro-Khan LLC is the official distributor of the Viega brand in Mongolia. The EK and the Viega have signed the Cooperation Agreement.
Introducing Viega...
The Viega offers an extensive range of products for commercial and residential projects such as drinking water, gas, and heating applications. Also, Viega provides a safer, faster, cleaner plumbing technology.
The Viega combines technology and design into one superior package.
Since the Viega was founded 120 years ago with the vision to revolutionize installation technology. With over 4,000 employees, we have progressed to become a world market leader – while remaining a family-owned company that sets its own standards. This is how we ensure quality ‘made in Germany’ and products of the highest grade, worldwide.
It is really important to support our customers in their daily work. The Viega coordinates materials, technology and comfort, take time for quality management and invests in research and development. The result is a perfectly tuned system providing over 17,000 products – available whenever our customers need them. As a global market leader, we are also committed to sharing our know-how with our customers all around the world.
We are confident that we will have a fruitful collaboration in the future.
ECONOMY
SAVINGS OF MONGOLIANS UP 22 PCT: CENTRAL BANK
The total savings of Mongolians rose 22 percent year on year to 16.8 trillion Mongolian tugriks (about 5.8 billion U.S. dollars) at the end of the third quarter, said the Bank of Mongolia, the country's central bank on Monday.
The bank made the statement after it concluded a month-long national campaign, which aimed to increase people's awareness on the importance of savings and financial literacy. The campaign is also part of the activities held in Mongolia to mark World Savings Day, which falls on Oct. 31 every year across the world.
Mongolia has been celebrating World Savings Day across the country since 2017.
Source: Xinhua
See also: Mongolia marks World Savings Day
BOM PURCHASES 2.1 TONS OF PRECIOUS METAL IN OCTOBER
In October 2020, the Bank of Mongolia purchased 2.1 tons of precious metal, raising the BoM’s total precious metal purchase of 2020 to 19.2 tons, of which 17.5 tons were gold and 1.7 tons were silver. It means the amount of precious metal purchase increased by 6.3 tons compared with the same period of previous year.
In October, the BoM branches in Darkhan-Uul and Bayankhongor aimags bought 102.1 kg and 114.6 kg of precious metals respectively. The average price of BoM’s purchase of 1 gram of gold was MNT 174,145.46 in October.
Source: Montsame
See also: BoM purchases over 19 tons of precious metals so far this year
6 PERCENT MORTGAGE LOAN DISBURSED TO 520 BORROWERS IN OCTOBER
The decision to lower mortgage loan interest rate from 8 percent down to 6 was made on October 1, 2020 by the ordinance of the Governor of the Bank of Mongolia, which allowed to start disbursing mortgage loans to borrowers, who issued their requests after October 1.
As of October 29, 512 borrowers have received mortgage loans worth 37.1 billion in total through the funding investment made available by government and commercial banks, of which MNT 7.8 billion were disbursed to 145 applicants from rural areas.
Source: Montsame
TECHNICAL PROPOSAL FOR OIL PIPELINE PROJECT TO BE DEVELOPED
The following orders were given to corresponding ministers and agency chairs.
- To ensure compliance of laws and regulations of the sector with the Constitution, eliminate duplication and violation of the laws
- To merge Geological Research Center and Central Geological Laboratory under the National Geology Service,
- To develop technical proposal for an oil pipeline project, study possibilities to announce selection,
- To make issuance of special license on mineral exploration online
- To ensure water demand of the largest development works in Southern Gobi region with underground water until surface-water project is launched,
- To develop recommendation and bill on amendments to the law on setting excise tax for auto and diesel fuel in coherent with their quality and standards, and imposing excise tax on some types of petroleum products and to present them to the Cabinet.
Source: Montsame
BANK OF KOREA TO GROW TIES WITH CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES
The Bank of Korea (BOK) plans to develop ties with its Central Asian counterparts in accordance with Cheong Wa Dae's initiatives to expand partnerships with former Soviet bloc countries by enhancing economic and political partnerships there.
The New Northern Policy is primarily aimed at cooperation with developing Central Asian economies ― such as Mongolia and Kazakhstan ― which have not had significant financial partnerships with South Korea. Russia is also included in the policy.
Some of the countries have relatively weaker financial infrastructures than Korea, so the central bank hopes to share its abilities and experience in the central bank's key roles ― such as payment and settlement systems, monetary policies and financial stabilization measures.
"Regarding the specifics of the New Northern Policy, the BOK will keep widening the bank's knowledge-sharing programs with the countries in Central Asia," a central bank official said Sunday.
Source: The Korea Times
BLIZZARD WARNING ISSUED FOR MOST PARTS OF THE COUNTRY
Snow and blizzards are expected in most parts of western aimags and western parts of central aimags tomorrow on November 4, and in most parts of central aimags, northern parts of Gobi aimags, and some parts of eastern aimags on November 5.
Snow is expected in eastern parts of western aimags, most parts of central aimags, some parts of eastern aimags, and northern parts of Gobi aimags on November 5, in eastern parts of western and eastern aimags and some parts of central aimags on November 6, in some parts of eastern aimags on November 7, and in the mountainous areas of Khangai, Khuvsgul, and Khentei on November 8.
Wind speed will temporarily reach 15-17 m/sec in some parts of the country on November 5 and 6, and in the Gobi and plains on November 7 and 8.
Source: Montsame
FREE NIGHTTIME ELECTRICITY FOR GER DISTRICT HOMES FROM NOV. 1 TO APRIL 1
In 2017, the Government approved a regulation to cut electricity night tariff for ger districts to zero, especially from 9pm to 6am, aiming at reducing air pollution of the Ulaanbaatar city.
The discount will last between November 1 and April 1, eligible for following conditions.
• For safety reasons, the heater shall be installed in a suitable and standard electrical equipment.
• A fully electronic meter shall be installed at the approved tariff.
• No accrued debt for electricity before the discount is available.
Depending on the voltage level:
• Discount of 100% to consumers connected to -220 V up to 700 kWh in the evening and at night, and 50 percent for more than that,
• Up to 1500 kWh consumption in the evening and at night for consumers connected to -380 V will be 100% discounted, and 50% discount will be applied for more than that.
Source: GoGo News
MINES AND MINDS - INFOGRAPHIC
Mongolia’s economy has grown fast since 2004 but been increasingly reliant on mining-led growth, saving a measly 1 cent per dollar of mineral output. Meanwhile, human capital has been underutilized and institutional capital has eroded. To break this cycle, Mongolia should use its mineral wealth to invest in human capital and institutions, while gradually reducing its dependence on minerals. Check out the infographic to learn more.
Source: World Bank
FOREIGN TRADE TURNOVER DROPS BY 10.1 PERCENT
According to the General Customs Administration, in the first ten months of this year, total foreign trade turnover has reached USD 10.4 billion, which shows a decrease of USD 1.17 billion or 10.1 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.
The export amount has exceeded imports by USD 1.5 billion, showing trade surplus.
Exports of goods and raw materials amounted to USD 5,986.1 million in the first ten months, showing a decrease of 8.3 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.
In the total export, the export of mineral products made up 70.6 percent, jewelry and precious stones—22.1 percent, processed leather, fur and leather and fur products – 0.1 percent, and textile items 4.2 percent. The export of above goods accounted for 97 percent of the total exports.
Source: Montsame
ALTANBULAG BORDER CHECKPOINT TO BE CLOSED FOR TWO MONTHS
Today, November 11, the Cabinet convened a regular meeting and made a decision on measures to be taken in border crossing points with the Russian Federation.
Specifically, the Cabinet decided to close Altanbulag border checkpoint for two months starting from November 16 to January 18, 2021 and Tes, Artssuuri, Ulikhan, Ereentsav and Borshoo border points are to be closed for an indefinite period from November 16.
While, Tsagaannuur border checkpoint in Bayan-Ulgii aimag will be open only in the second and fourth weeks of each month beginning from November 23 to allow fuel transport.
Incidentally, during the closure period of Altanbulag border checkpoint a special zone will be set up and preparations will be ensured to receive freight from Russia and transfer the load at the special zone. Furthermore, works are under study to make freight transport through railroad in collaboration with the Russian Federation and make coordination not to affect commodity price as possible.
Source: Montsame
CONSTRUCTION OF TAVAN TOLGOI POWER PLANT TO BEGIN WITHIN SECOND QUARTER OF 2021
50 percent of the state-owned shares of Tavantolgoi Tsakhilgaan Stants (Tavantolgoi Thermal Power Plant) LLC will be held by the Ministry of Energy, 30 percent by Erdenes Tavantolgoi JSC, and 20 percent by the Government Agency for Policy Coordination on State Property.
At its regular meeting on November 11, the Cabinet ordered relevant ministers to commence the construction of the thermal power plant within the second quarter of next year.
According to the amendment to the agreement between the Government of Mongolia and Oyu Tolgoi LLC, construction of the power plant will begin by July 1, 2021, and conclude by December 31, 2024 to supply energy to Oyu Tolgoi project.
Source: Montsame
UN, ADB TO COOPERATE IN DEVELOPMENT OF GER AREA
Ulaanbaatar City Master Plan reflected to establish six sub-centers with a view to make city development balanced. Within it, “Ulaanbaatar Urban Services and Ger Areas Development Investment Program” is being realized with financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Investment Bank.
With overall goal to ensure balanced development over the territory of the capital city and de-centralize by making the city multi-centered, works to building basic engineering infrastructure and social facilities are under implementation at stages.
ADB Country Director for Mongolia Pavit Ramachandran, UN Resident Coordinator in Mongolia Tapan Mishra and ADB Senior Urban development Specialist A.Heckmann got familiarized with construction works of the first phase of the program on the spot. Project coordinator D.Avirmed received the representatives, briefing the project process and exchanging opinions on the project outcomes and how to make projects targeted to ger areas coherent further.
Source: Montsame
MONGOLIA RECEIVES NEW USD 23 MILLION GCF GRANT TO STRENGTHEN CLIMATE RESILIENCE
The Green Climate Fund approved a new US$23.1million grant to UNDP supported project aimed at strengthening climate resilience in Mongolia. The grant comes at a time when the country is facing a range of natural disasters, climate change is multiplying the challenges with estimated economic costs around $10-15 million annually, and COVID-19 further exposing vulnerability of livestock sector.
Mongolia’s economy relies heavily on the agriculture and livestock husbandry sectors, with a high dependency on natural resources. Livestock accounts for 90 percent of the agriculture sector and represents the lion’s share of provincial economies (around 85 percent). Herder households are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Adaptation needs are expected to increase significantly as climate change impacts intensify.
The new grant reinforces the importance of green recovery and resilient growth. Approximately 26,000 households (130,000 people) living across four of the country’s most remote and vulnerable Western and Eastern provinces are set to benefit.
Source: UNDP
AIRPORTS IN DORNOD, KHOVD AND KHUVSGUL TO BE EXPANDED TO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Minister of Road and Transport Development L.Khaltar briefed about the largest construction works to be carried out in the sector between 2020 and 2024. The plan includes several works in air transport sector and it was projected to expand the airports in Dornod, Khovd and Khuvsgul aimags to make them international airports.
About it, Minister L.Khaltar explained that Mongolia has 16 airways. Of which two main routes pass above Khovd and Choibalsan cities. Mongolia has undertaken duty for the International Air Transport Association to have an emergency alternate landing site in cases of any risk caused to aircraft on the territory of Mongolia. The country receives navigation fee for passing aircraft through its territory. The income should be spent for improving the alternate airports, ensuring movement safety and renewing navigation technology. Therefore, air strip capable to receive large airplanes for international flights will be built in the airports of the three aimags in the coming four years.
Source: Montsame
ULAANBAATAR’S YURT SETTLEMENTS TO BE SERVED BY CABLE CAR
A consortium of French aerial transport specialist Poma and rail consultancy Egis is to build an urban cable car route in Ulaanbaatar.
Serving three stations over a 6 km alignment, the cable car scheme is being financed by DG Trésor, a directorate of the French finance ministry which funds infrastructure projects internationally.
Poma is leading the consortium, and will supply and install the transport systems, including 122 cars, supporting towers and station equipment.
Egis will be responsible for the design and construction of the stations and their foundations under a turnkey arrangement, as well as for low and high voltage power supplies. Egis is also tasked with co-ordination of drawings during the design phase and works supervision during construction.
The ropeway is described by the project partners as a highly sustainable form of urban transport, offering ‘near silent’ operation and no emissions at the point of use.
Source: RailwayGazette.com
PROJECT LAUNCHES TO MAKE MONGOLIAN LAMB MEAT A GLOBAL BRAND - INTERVIEW
A brand for lamb meat is being introduced for the first time in Mongolia. The launch for the ‘Mongolian Lamb’ project took place at Saruul Market in Ulaanbaatar city on November 1. The project is being launched within the framework of the ‘Wealthy Herder’ programme by ‘Chineeleg Malchin Boijuulakh Tuv’ NGO in partnership with ‘Mon Ecolamb’ LLC. We asked a few questions about the project from Head of Chineeleg Malchin Boijuulakh Tuv NGO L.Odser.
-The main goal of the project was initially thought to be a meat processing of small livestock in compliance with foreign market requirements and its export. However, it seems that the project means much more than that. Could you tell us more about the project?
-Yes, the project’s main focus is to have herders put their livestock into domestic economic circulation alongside export. Organic lamb meat is commonly consumed for its tenderness throughout the world. So why can’t we prepare them domestically and create a brand alongside consuming our own healthy, organic food?
Source: Montsame
MONGOLIA’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY FROM COVID-19 DEPENDENT ON CHINA - EDITORIAL
Amid nationwide lockdowns in January, Mongolian imports fell by 6.2 percent and exports by 24.4 percent, resulting in the country’s first trade deficit since 2014. The country’s economic slowdown was exacerbated in mid-February when Mongolia’s State Emergency Commission moved to restrict coal exports, which account for a substantial portion of Mongolia’s economy. The mining sector had driven much of Mongolia’s double digit growth in the early 2010s, and in 2019 accounted for 25 percent of the country’s GDP and 90 percent of its total exports. China is by far Mongolia’s largest trading partner, making up 64.4 percent of total foreign trade and 89.1 percent of its total export in 2019. Consequently, the relative health of the Mongolian economy is closely connected with mineral sales and its trade relationship with China, both of which were dealt severe blows this year.
Source: The Jamestown Foundation
POLITICS
36TH UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW UK STATEMENT ON MONGOLIA
The United Kingdom welcomes Mongolia’s constructive approach to the last UPR and substantial progress since.
Notably, positive action was taken on recommendations regarding LGBT rights, in particular including LGBT rights in the recent anti-discrimination law.
We encourage the Mongolian Government to take a visible lead and provide the resources to ensure this law is fully implemented. We remain committed to helping further this progress.
We recommend Mongolia:
1. Strengthen domestic legislation to ensure all forms of modern slavery are criminalised, including criminalising human trafficking in line with the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children;
2. Adopt an open, merit-based process when selecting national candidates for UN Treaty Body elections;
3. Protect freedom of expression by abolishing article 6.21 of the Law on Administrative Offences
Source: Gov.uk
See also: Mongolia’s human rights record to be examined by Universal Periodic Review
Universal Periodic Review - Mongolia
Mongolia’s human rights record under review at UN
U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Mongolia
CONSTRUCTION SITE FOR TAVAN TOLGOI-ZUUNBAYAN RAILROAD TAKEN UNDER STATE SPECIAL NEEDS
Following decisions were made at the cabinet meeting dated November 4.
- The Cabinet decided to take 5,802 hectares of area that cover territories of Tsogttsetsii and Manlai soums of Umnugobi aimag, Mandakh, Saikhandulaan, Ulaanbadrakh and Sainshand soums of Dornogobi aimag under state special needs with a purpose to build 416.2 km railroad between Tavantolgoi and Zuunbayan.
- Extra pay for special working condition for emergency management officers, which was additional 20 percent of salary, is now increased to 30 percent.
- The Cabinet approved a regulation allowing to grant additional 50-percent quarterly payments of base salary for five years to officers who will work at emergency management offices in remote aimags and soums.
…
Source: Montsame
STATE BUDGET 2021: UNEQUAL LOCAL BUDGETING STIRS UP CONTROVERSY
Parliament has begun reviewing the draft state budget for 2021, which projected fiscal deficit at 2.15 trillion MNT or 5.1 percent of GDP. From non-urgent projects to unequal local budget distribution, many of the things included in the new state budget is sparking controversy among the public.
At a glance, the new state budget is practically the same as the previous one. Some people even jested that the Ministry of Finance submitted the wrong document. Similar to the previous state budget, the new draft has projected the equilibrated fiscal revenue at 11.8 trillion MNT (27.9 percent of GDP) and expenditure at 13.95 trillion MNT (30 percent of GDP), with a deficit of 2.15 trillion MNT. The fiscal deficit has been lowered by 2.6 trillion MNT compared to the 2020 state budget, which underwent heavy revision due to unexpected expenses that snowballed with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: The UB Post
LATEST ON COVID-19 IN MONGOLIA
Below are headlines from the past week concerning Covid-19 in Mongolia:
• One new COVID-19 case reported, total reaches 353
• Mongolia: Coronavirus update as of 4 November 2020
• Sharing COVID-19 experiences: The Mongolian response
• Mongolia closes two border crossings with Russia
• Documentary on Covid-19 experience of Mongolia releases today
• Mongolia reports nine new cases of Covid-19 in three days
• Three new COVID-19 cases detected in Mongolia
• Four employees from Mongolian Airlines isolated in Germany
• Mongolia reports two more imported COVID-19 cases
• 313 recovered out of 346 registered cases of Covid-19
• Mongolia's COVID-19 infections rise to 350
• 12 out of 16 drivers at NCCD are foreigners
• Countries' pandemic response helped beat COVID-19 while neighbours suffered
• Mongolia registers 3 more COVID-19 cases
• ADB to help manage food insecurity risks in Mongolia amid supply disruptions caused by COVID-19
• Mongolia reports six more COVID-19 cases
• Mongolia launches project to strengthen response to COVID-19 pandemic
Source: Various
MONGOLIA BANS NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS AMID PANDEMIC
The Mongolian government on Wednesday decided not to publicly celebrate the upcoming New Year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The government decided not to widely celebrate the New Year nor organize public activities. The decision is part of the efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus," Deputy Prime Minister Yangu Sodbaatar said at a press conference.
New Year is one of the most celebrated holidays in Mongolia and almost all public and private organizations in the country hold parties with plenty of food and alcoholic drinks at restaurants, night clubs and bars in December to welcome the new year.
As of Wednesday, Mongolia has reported a total of 352 COVID-19 cases, all of which were imported.
No local transmissions or deaths have been reported in Mongolia so far.
Source: Xinhua, Montsame
MONGOLIA’S POLICY ON DECENTRALIZATION PRESENTED
The Cabinet Secretariat of the Government and Mongolian Productivity Organization jointly held an international high-level virtual discussion themed “Decentralization: Mongolia’s practice and impact on raising productivity of public organizations” on November 3.
Deputy Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat of the Government U.Byambasuren attended the discussion representing Mongolia, while Executive Director of the National Productivity Center of Pakistan Muhammed Alamgir Chaudhry represented the Asian Productivity Organization.
Mongolia approved a policy on decentralization in 2016 and has been implementing it at stages. Increasing citizens’ engagement in good governance, transparency and decision-making process and delivering state services to citizens promptly and equitably are the main goals. And the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation project “Policy support for decentralization” underway is providing support on the policy and re-distribution of functions of government organizations.
Source: Montsame
DP CAUCUS DEMANDS RESIGNATION OF MINING MINISTER ON NEWS HE PAID FOR CHILDREN’S TUITION FROM STATE FUNDS
D.Ganbat, Head of the Democratic Party faction in the Parliament, reported that resignation demand of G.Yondon, the Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry, has been sent to the Prime Minister.
On November 2, the faction meeting was held and 4 issues were discussed including draft Law on Courts, the draft Law on Urban Development, and the current situation of national security. Also the resignation of G.Yondon, the Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry, has been submitted to the Prime Minister due to alleged ethical violations.
D.Ganbat said “Democratic party approved the law on Glass account when the DP was majority party in 2012-2016. According to the law, transactions above MNT 5 million shall be informed openly. G.Yondon, the Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry, paid tuition fee of his children from the State budget. And he explains it as normal. The government is not taking any charges.
Source: GoGo News
RSF URGES MEMBERS TO JOIN ITS CALL FOR PRESS FREEDOM REFORM IN MONGOLIA
As the UN started conducting its Universal Periodic Review on human rights in Mongolia, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urges member states to insist on the need for a media reform to better guarantee press freedom.
Similar requests have been made by Globe International Center (GIC), a Mongolian press freedom NGO which in September denounced the government’s inaction since the last UPR in 2015.
“RSF commends the positive steps taken by Mongolia in the past decades towards media liberalization, but its regulation still requests significant reforms guaranteeing editorial freedom for journalists and a better protection of their sources”, says Cédric Alviani, RSF East Asia Bureau Head.
Although Mongolia broadly respects the principles of liberty and media pluralism, its regulation still lacks basic legal protections for confidential sources and current defamation laws lead to journalistic self-censorship or harsh fines.
Source: Montsame
UN RESOLUTION ON MONGOLIA’S INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND NUCLEAR-WEAPON-FREE STATUS ADOPTED
A draft resolution on Mongolia’s International Security and Nuclear-Weapon-Free Status was adopted on November 3 at the meeting of the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) of the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Since 1998, the resolution has been biennially approved by the UN General Assembly. Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status is evidence of its commitments to the global efforts for international peace and security, disarmament, and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Source: Montsame
FOREIGN MINISTER: THERE IS NO PRESSURE ON DIPLOMATIC APPOINTMENT
The Minister of Foreign Affairs N.Enkhtaivan made report on measures taking on foreign affairs.
He reported “There is no pressure on the appointment of a diplomat position. I understand that the pressure to appoint a person to the diplomatic service is made by society, family and friends.
People working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been involved in illegal activities more than once. Therefore, the diplomatic service will be severely disciplined and strict measures will be taken in case of violation of the law. A rule of diplomatic service has been approved newly. I will work hard on the implementation of it.
Diplomatic passports are also being sorted. Last month, more than 6,000 diplomatic and official passports were invalidated. The plate of the diplomatic car has chip now. Officials at any diplomatic mission will be required to notify the diplomatic mission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if they travel abroad for more than a month.
Source: GoGo News
COUNCIL UNDER THE MINISTER OF CULTURE ESTABLISHED
A Council under the Ministers of Culture has been established on November 3, and the first meeting of the Council will be held at 10 AM on November 5 in the conference hall of the Ministry of Culture.
During the council meeting, presentations on the development of the cultural sector, the Law on Culture, the Law on Cinema, and the Law on Museums which are under discussion in the Parliament, will be made.
The members of the Council are:
Source: GoGo News
See also: Council of Minister of Culture convenes for the first time
MONGOLIA ASKS UNITED NATIONS TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST VERSTAPPEN AND RED BULL
The Mongolian Government have sent a letter to the FIA in which they said they were far from happy with Max Verstappen's statements during the Portuguese Grand Prix. A second letter was added this week, and this time it has even been sent to the United Nations. Mongolia is still publicly demanding apologies from Verstappen.
At the Portimao circuit, the Red Bull Racing driver used derogatory words when he crashed in free practice with Lance Stroll.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs therefore wrote a letter to Verstappen and Red Bull, but the response was not the desired one. According to Lundeg Purevsuren, Mongolia's global ambassador and respesentative to the UN it is a 'serious matter'. "In both cases he refused to apologise publicly for using… words based on the term ‘mongol’ (and) respect the Mongolian nation and community."
Source: GPBlog.com, RaceFans.net
PROF. N. NOROV: ONLY A RADIATION AMOUNT SEVERAL THOUSAND TIMES HIGHER THAN NORM IS DEEMED DANGEROUS - INTERVIEW
On October 5, the working group that was established by the Government Administration reported its conclusion that “there was no worsening condition for the environment, health of people and livestock due to uranium” after researching and analyzing the area around the uranium plant of Badrakh Energy in Ulaanbadrakh soum of Dornogovi province.
That is why we wanted to bring the actual information to the public and listened to the opinion of an independent professional person. Manager and professor of the Nuclear Physics Research Center at the Mongolian National University N. Norov, who is the first specialist of Mongolia on atomic power stations and also a teacher who brought forth six Mongolian doctors on reactors. This is the interview with him.
The professional team worked on the territory of Ulaanbadrakh soum, where the uranium exploration was taking place, and recently presented its conclusion…
Source: Montsame
COMPELLED GIRLS’ EXAMINATION AT SCHOOLS FORSAKE BASIC RIGHTS OF GIRLS - EDITORIAL
Shockingly, teenage girls are still forced to undergo a pelvic or gynecological examination at school, commonly known as “girls’ examination”, in Mongolia despite recommendations against the practice and the exam having no measurable impact on their lifestyle or reproductive health, a recent study highlights.
Together with the Young Voices Group of Save the Children in Mongolia, 7th Asian Girl Human Rights Award winner G.Myagmarsuren, a 12th-grade student at Bayangol District’s School No. 73, conducted the “Girls’ Voices” survey last year to find out girls’ views on the compelled reproductive health examination of girls in schools. Its report was published in September 2020.
With the objective to enhance students’ right to a quality education that positively impacts their future and support better reproductive health education interventions for young girls and boys, the survey asked 22 questions from 370 girls in grades 7 to 12 from 12 general education schools.
Source: The UB Post
IS CORRUPTION THE ONLY LEGACY OF MONGOLIAN BOOMERS? - EDITORIAL
Last week, reports that General Director of state-owned Erdenet Mining Corporation Kh.Badamsuren had used company funds to pay his daughter B.Buyanjargal’s tuition fees at the University of Toronto in Canada was made public. The transaction was made on July 18, 2019.
According to shilendans.gov.mn, a web portal of public expenditure report, the amount of tuition fee paid to the University of Toronto in Canada is 102,385,101.24 MNT, roughly 35,900 USD.
While many considered this a clear example of abuse of power, some also raised the question whether if such benefit for the director was covered under his contract.
In this article, I would like to share what I found to believe that it was theft from the state budget.
First of all, the Mongolian Law on State and Local Property clearly defines that budget/money of a state-owned enterprise is a state property and anyone who has the power to spend such budget is obligated to act in limited scope, including the director.
Source: The UB Post
See also: Director of a state owned plant paid his daughter's tuition fee from the state fund
FOREIGN MINISTER HOLDS FIRST PRESS CONFERENCE SINCE APPOINTMENT
On November 2, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia N.Enkhtaivan held the first-ever press conference since assuming office in July 2020. At the beginning of the conference, he briefed on the measures and resolutions he has made in foreign relations since he assumed office.
Minister N.Enkhtaivan introduced that following key activities have been implemented over the past four months in foreign relations;
One: Certain activities towards protecting citizens abroad and repatriating them to the home country,
Two: supporting the economy and attracting investment during the pandemic,
Three: raising the reputation of Mongolia, activating and intensifying external relations,
Four: events such as the UN, international, regional and bilateral meetings, conferences and workshops,
Five: developing sustainable and unified foreign policy and improving the legal environment and discipline,
Six: expanding foreign publicity and cultural cooperation
Seven: upskilling the personnel and improving internal works and disciplines of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were conducted.
Source: Montsame
LATEST ON COVID-19 IN MONGOLIA
Below are headlines from the past week concerning Covid-19 in Mongolia:
• Mongolia to impose five-day lockdown after reporting 1st case of local COVID-19 transmission
• Mongolia locks down capital after 1st local virus case
• UB shuts the gates following new cases
• Suspected case of local COVID-19 transmission reported in northern Mongolia
• Mongolia reports 24 new cases in 24 hours – seven local transmissions
• Mongolia suspends all charter flights planned for November
• Lockdown in four Mongolian provinces
• UNFPA Mongolia - Situation Report #4 on COVID-19 response, Reporting period: October 1-31, 2020
• Higher education institutions holding classes online
• Patrol teams start working to implement lockdown regime
• Mongolia's COVID-19 cases reach 406
• Number of COVID-19 infections in Mongolia rises to 382
• Six new COVID-19 cases detected in Mongolia, total reaches 374
• Mongolia's COVID-19 tally rises to 368
• Mongolian nurse tests positive for COVID-19
• 4 new COVID-19 cases detected, total imported cases reach 356
• Attention to be focused on border areas to prevent COVID-19
• Mongolia launches project to strengthen response to COVID-19 pandemic
• 146 citizens arrived through Tokyo-Ulaanbaatar charter flight yesterday
• 5-day strict quarantine set
• 3-day quarantine set in UB
• U.Khurelsukh: Quarantine period might extend depending on pandemic situation
• Decision on closing Altanbulag border today due to 6 cases of Covid-19 in a row
• GoodNeighbors International is carrying out the project to support the COVID-19 response of the vulnerable in Mongolia
Source: Various
SUPREME COURT OF MONGOLIA REDUCES SENTENCE OF FORMER PM BY SIX MONTHS
The high-profile trial of a former Mongolian Prime Minister has been attracting much attention. Earlier today (11 November), the High Court of Mongolia decided to reduce the sentences of former PM M.Enkhsaikhan by six months.
On May, he was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison and banned from public office for four years.
M.Enkhsaikhan is accused of political sabotage and the abuse of power over an ‘unsigned’ agreement regarding the Tavan Tolgoi coal mine project.
The former politician returned from Stockholm in 2019, where he had been serving as Mongolian Ambassador to Sweden since 2017.
M.Enkhsaikhan served as the prime minister of Mongolia from 1996 to 1998; as such, he was the first in 80 years not belonging to the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party.
Source: News.mn, GoGo News
JOINT WORKING GROUP ON ADVANCING TRILATERAL ECONOMIC CORRIDOR MEETS
The first meeting of the chairs of the joint working group to advance the implementation of the Mongolia-Russia-China Economic Corridor Program was successfully held virtually yesterday, November 5.
At the meeting, the joint statement on the commencement of the feasibility study for Renovation of Central Railway Corridor of Mongolia-Russia-China Economic Corridor, as well as its draft working plan has been finalized and sides agreed to sign during the next meeting of the heads of the three countries.
Furthermore, the sides held discussion on the road transport project that was agreed to be realized as a priority within the trilateral economic corridor and progress of the project to build gas pipeline connecting Russia and China through Mongolian territory, while exchanging views on other areas of cooperation.
Within the framework of the Mongolia-Russia-China Economic Corridor Program which was approved during the summit of the heads of the three countries in 2016, 32 projects and activities in 9 sectors.
Source: Montsame
PM ORDERS TO DECIDE WHEN TO BAN IMPORT OF OLD, RIGHT-HAND DRIVE CARS
On November 5, Prime Minister of Mongolia U.Khurelsukh worked at the Ministry of Road and Transport Development.
In the next 4 years, paved roads with total length of 2,022 km and 1,172-meter-long concrete bridges are planned to be built with funding investment from state budget, international loans and assistances as well as through public-private partnership, as introduced by Minister of Road and Transport Development L.Khaltar.
He noted that ‘Country Road’ project will be carried out to enable auto road access for more than 40 soum and residential areas at lower cost. “This year, developments are underway to build 2,000 km long auto roads in 123 routes and 1,400-meter-long concrete bridges in 27 locations.”
The Prime Minister assigned the Ministry to make the process for the issuance of intercountry auto transportation licensing more transparent and open and less bureaucratic.
Source: Montsame
D.GANBAT: I SPENT MY OWN MNT 1 BILLION AND HANDED CANS TO CITIZENS
D.Ganbat, the Head of the Democratic Party faction in the Parliament, made an explanation on the rumor that he had handed out cans with his picture.
He said he did not buy cans with the State budget money and did not print his picture on the cans.
There is a rumor that he printed his picture on the can and handed out it to the citizens. He said about this “Why should I do that? I am not that kind of person. I thought other people knew this, but they don’t know anything. That photo was edited or photoshopped.
Furthermore, I did not purchase cans with Social insurance money, I bought it myself. When I was a member of the Parliament in 2014-2016 and a member in 2016-2020, I handed out forty-liter capacity cans to 8,000 mothers in Bayankhongor province.
Source: GoGo News
MONGOLIA AND THAILAND UPDATE NDCS, PLEDGE TO UP TARGETS WITH TECHNOLOGICAL AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Mongolia and Thailand have submitted their updated nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to the UNFCCC. Mongolia sets a new target of reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 22.7% by 2030, compared to the business as usual (BAU) scenario. Thailand’s NDC states that its target of reducing GHG emissions by 20% from the projected BAU level by 2030 could be increased to 25% with support.
Mongolia’s new mitigation target, which excludes land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF), is an improvement on a 14% goal from its earlier intended NDC. It is based on new baseline emissions that Mongolia re-calculated, which are estimated to reach 74.3 MtСО2eq, compared to its 2015 intended NDC baseline of 51.3 MtСО2eq. If conditional mitigation measures such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and waste-to-energy technologies are implemented, Mongolia expects to achieve an even higher target of 27.2% reduction in total national GHG emissions. Mongolia’s share of global GHG emissions is 0.14%.
Source: IISD
CHINA AND RUSSIA URGE MONGOLIA TO JOIN THEIR SECURITY PACT - EDITORIAL
The question of whether Mongolia will join the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is gaining traction ahead of a big meeting tomorrow.
The SCO is an international forum that brings together the leaders of major Asian states to talk about security, politics and economics. It was formed in 2001 in Shanghai (hence the name). Mongolia is currently an observer state, but not a full member.
Since its creation, the SCO has mostly been seen as a way for its main countries – Russia, China and India – to cooperate on military issues, such as organising exercises and collaborating on counter-terrorism efforts. Yet in recent years, the SCO has been rebranding itself as both a military and economic get-together.
Tomorrow’s meeting will be the first time that India’s leader Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping have been in the same (virtual) room since fatal clashes along their Himalayan border earlier this year.
Source: Mongolia Weekly
See also: Annual SCO summit to be held under chairmanship of Russia
President attends Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit
JOE BIDEN HAS WON THE US ELECTION. SO WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR MONGOLIA? - EDITORIAL
After several long, long days, Joe Biden has finally won the US election and is set to become the next president of the United States.
Major networks, including the Associated Press and the BBC, forecast that Biden has won Pennsylvania, taking him over the 270 electoral college votes needed to win.
So what will that mean for Mongolia?
The short answer is, not much.
US relations with Mongolia will likely continue on their current trajectory. The US will continue to be a part of Mongolia’s Third Neighbour policy, and the Third Neighbour Trade Act, which would allow tax-free imports of Mongolian cashmere and textiles, is still in play.
It’s impossible to forecast whether a Biden administration will make the act more likely to jump the remaining hurdles, although Biden appears more open to expanding trade relations than Trump.
Biden also visited Mongolia, unlike Trump.
Source: Mongolia Weekly
WHY GEN Z AND MILLENNIALS ARE FED UP WITH POLITICS - EDITORIAL
In Mongolia, the public’s trust in politics, politicians and political parties is almost zero. Populism is on the rise.
Recently I took an interest in Australian politics and found a recent survey that showed similar trends to Mongolia; only 55 percent of Australians under the age of 30 say they prefer democracy to an alternative.
There are five main reasons why I believe Gen Z and millennials in Mongolia, like those in Australia, are becoming dissatisfied with democracy.
1. High turnover in leadership
In the history of many countries, presidents, prime ministers, and speakers of parliament change frequently. In the past, the reasons for this were retirement, illness, sudden death, election defeat, or succession. However, in modern times, the main reason is simply resignation.
2. Unready political parties to govern
Surprised, disappointed, or angry Mongolian voters seem to have little choice but to support a new political party or politician...
Source: Mongolia Weekly
DEMOCRATIC CONVULSIONS - EDITORIAL
Two ongoing convulsions of democracy are having me reflect on Mongolia, elections, and political system challenges: the U.S. and Kyrgyzstan.
According to Katie Putz, one of the choices that is coming out of the revolutionary upheavals of the past month in Kyrgyzstan is whether to return to a pre-2010 presidential system or stick with a more parliamentary emphasis.
Kyrgyzstan is of some relevance to Mongolia in that of the post-state socialist or post-Soviet Central Asian countries, it seems closest behind Mongolia on some kind of path to democracy. Mendee has made the Mongolia-Kyrgyzstan comparison most explicitly in his dissertation and has pointed to the continued role of the former ruling party, the Mongolian People’s (Revolutionary) Party, as one of the important aspects of the institutionalization of democracy in Mongolia. Yet, in the current situation, some clear differences are emerging between the two while some questions might be raised above similarities.
Source: UBC Mongolia Focus Blog
See also: Kyrgyzstan: Mining sector braces for regulatory blow
DRAFT 2021 BUDGET: BETTER DAYS BECKON - EDITORIAL
Arguably the most important feature of the draft budget for 2021, awaiting approval by Parliament at the time of writing this, is its commitment to observing fiscal discipline, something that was made impossible this year by the pandemic. The budget deficit this year is expected to be 12.5 percent of GDP, much higher than allowed by law, but the 2021 draft puts it at 5.1 percent, which is under the permissible limit. In absolute terms, the deficit in 2021 would be MNT2.6 trillion less than this year’s. This has been achieved mainly by reducing expenditure by 4.3 percent from the 2020 level and by raising revenue, both in accordance with the Fiscal Framework Statement 2021, passed on 28 August, 2020.
If the deficit actually comes down to the level estimated would depend on how much revenue is finally collected. The Mongolian National Audit Office (MNAO) has warned that if external factors turn negative, the equilibrated revenue could be less.
Source: Mongolian Mining Journal
VACCINE SUCCESS RAISES HOPES, BUT WILL THE US MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO MONGOLIA? - EDITORIAL
One of the world’s first vaccines against the coronavirus appears to be 90 percent effective, raising hopes that an end to the pandemic is now in sight.
Pfizer and BioNTech presented data based on an analysis of 94 volunteers, showing that two vaccines are needed three weeks apart.
The vaccine achieved 90 percent protection one week after the second dose.
The volunteers were part of a Phase 3 trial involving over 43,000 people.
“The first set of results from our Phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trial provides the initial evidence of our vaccine’s ability to prevent COVID-19,” Dr. Albert Bourla, Pfizer Chairman and CEO, said. “We are reaching this critical milestone in our vaccine development program at a time when the world needs it most with infection rates setting new records, hospitals nearing over-capacity and economies struggling to reopen.”
Source: Mongolia Weekly
BUSINESS
OVER 80 PERCENT OF COMBED CASHMERE EXPORTED TO ITALY
According to the General Customs Administration, in the first ten months of this year, Mongolia exported its washed cashmere to China wholly, and 80.5 percent of the combed cashmere to Italy.
The country exported 100 percent of crude oil, iron ore, copper and zinc concentrate, and 95.2 percent of coal to China. Moreover, 4.1 percent of unprocessed or semi-processed gold to the UK, 4.8 percent to Singapore and 91.1 percent to Switzerland. The above goods account for 92.6 percent of total export.
Source: Montsame
REGISTERING YOUR IP WITH MONGOLIA CUSTOMS
Holders of Intellectual Property rights (IP) registered in Mongolia have the option to register these rights with Customs. This registration allows an IP holder an important tool to prevent import or export of counterfeit products into or out of Mongolia.
In order to be included in the customs database, an IP rights holder must submit a request to the General Customs Administration to include the holder’s IP rights in the Customs database. Such request shall contain the details of the goods related to the intellectual property rights, information of the holder, documents confirming the intellectual property rights, along with a list of goods to be registered and protected. There is no official fee for this registration.
The decision to register goods related to intellectual property rights in the Customs database is finalized by the head of the department in charge of control and risk of the Central Customs Administration.
Source: LehmanLaw Mongolia
GOLD STREAM PROBABLY 'MOST ATTRACTIVE' FUNDING OPTION FOR TURQUOISE HILL -WHEATON CEO
A gold stream is “probably the most attractive” option for Canadian miner Turquoise Hill Resources as it seeks funding for a copper and gold project in Mongolia, the head of mine financing company Wheaton Precious Metals said on Tuesday.
Turquoise Hill last week began arbitration proceedings against its biggest shareholder Rio Tinto to seek “clarity” on financing for Oyu Tolgoi, one of Rio’s biggest growth projects.
Streaming is a type of alternative finance that generally involves an upfront payment by the streamer to a miner, which repays the loan by supplying metal at a later date.
A “gold streaming transaction” is among options under study by Turquoise Hill to plug a funding gap for the project estimated at $1.7 billion as of the end of the second quarter, the company said.
The aim would be to reduce the size and delay the timing of any equity rights offering.
Source: Reuters
IFC LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE MONGOLIA TUGRIK TO HELP MICRO AND RURAL ENTREPRENEURS AMID COVID-19
About 15,000 micro, rural and women entrepreneurs in the next three years are set to benefit from an innovative Mongolia Tugrik (MNT) denominated loan facility for Transcapital LLC, a leading non-bank financial institution in Mongolia, arranged by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group.
The move is part of IFC's strategic efforts to boost resilience in the country's financial sector amid COVID-19. The facility includes a 3-year loan of about MNT 8.4 billion (about $3 million) from IFC's own account and a syndicated loan of about MNT 25.2 billion (about $9 million) from Impact Investment funds including Invest in Visions GmbH (this transaction arranged by German research agency Agents for Impact GmbH and Co. KG), the Microfinance Initiative for Asia by BlueOrchard Finance Ltd, ACTIAM, and Developing World Markets.
Source: The Financial, Mongolia Weekly
TURQUOISE HILL SEEKS OYU TOLGOI CLARITY FROM RIO TINTO
Rio Tinto and Turquoise Hill have commenced arbitration proceedings to seek an explanation of financing options for the Oyu Tolgoi gold-copper project in Mongolia.
The arbitration, which will take three to five months follows recent discussions between the two parties related to the re-profiling of Oyu Tolgoi’s existing project debt.
This was contemplated by a memorandum of understanding between Rio Tinto and Turquoise Hill which was announced during September.
Turquoise Hill’s board approved the arbitration via special committee, which concluded that Rio Tinto’s approach to financing Oyu Tolgoi is “incompatible” with Turquoise Hill’s strategy to maximise debt for Oyu Tolgoi’s development.
“The special committee believes that the arbitration will provide needed clarity from an independent third aprty as to the parties’ respective rights and obligations with respect to the financing process,” Turquoise Hill stated.
“The arbitration process is confidential and is expected to take between three and five months to reach a decision.”
Source: AustralianMining.com.au
ION ENERGY IS ON THE BRINK OF GREAT SUCCESS IN DEVELOPING LITHIUM SALARS IN MONGOLIA
ION Energy Ltd CEO Ali Haji has worked in finance with a large investment management company in London, but he likes start-ups as they let him roll up his sleeves and build companies that can create an impact.
The intrepid CEO’s Toronto-based lithium exploration company has its sights set on Central Asia. Armed with one of the largest exploration licenses in Mongolia, ION Energy is poised to become a significant player in Asia’s booming lithium market.
“At 81,000 hectares, it is the largest exploration license ever granted in Mongolia. To be granted such a sizeable land package as a private company speaks to our longstanding relationship with Mongolia and its government,” Haji told Proactive.
Proactive sat down with Haji to learn more about the company’s Baavhai Uul lithium brine project in Mongolia, which is strategically located near China, the world's biggest lithium-ion battery maker.
Source: Proactive Investors
MONGOLIA'S OTOCH ODI SUPPORTS PEOPLE’S HEALTH DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Lung-supporting, immune-system-boosting black radish teas and dried nettle leaf powder are staples in the trolleys of shoppers and on kitchen counters in homes in Mongolia.
These are just some examples of the many health-supporting products made under the ‘Dr Baatar’ brand by Otoch Odi LLC, a private hospital providing both Western and Mongolian traditional medicine and treatments.
Medical Doctor Baatar, also a ninth generation traditional medicine healer from the Gobi region, founded the hospital in 2002 and its pharmaceutical factory later in 2015.
As a business dealing with human health, Otoch Odi makes research-based decisions and is particularly mindful of the quality and sustainability of their raw materials.
To preserve the strain of the medical plants, they avoid using harmful chemicals on their plantation and employ a solar watering system. Furthermore, the team continuously experiments in domesticating plants new to Mongolia such as wasabi and saffron.
Source: EBRD
AFC SIGNS RIGHTS DEAL WITH UNITEL IN MONGOLIA
Unitel is one of the most subscribed telecommunications companies in Mongolia and through their channel UniLive and digital service Look TV, Unitel will provide extensive live coverage of all Mongolian national team and club matches.
Dato’ Windsor John, the AFC General Secretary, said: “We are delighted with this ground-breaking partnership in Mongolia, one of the aspiring nations in Asian football. This deal demonstrates the value and appeal of the AFC’s competitions and we thank Unitel for being the first Mongolian broadcaster to partner with the AFC.”
Munkhbat Enkhtaivan, Content Strategy and Planning Director at Unitel, said: ‘’We are delighted to announce this new partnership to secure one of the most prestigious sporting competitions in Asia. Football is becoming increasingly popular in Mongolia and we are proud to be able to offer AFC competitions to our fans to fulfil their needs and boost the wide range of entertainment Unitel has to offer.’’
Source: AFC
MSE TO OPERATE NORMALLY ON NOVEMBER 12-13TH
In accordance with the Government decision to declare all-out readiness for Covid-19 disaster protection, Mongolian Stock Exchange will operate normally by a remote arrangement on the November 12th and 13th, 2020 and securities trading will be conducted under regular trading hours on these days.
Source: MSE
GLOBAL AND REGIONAL NEWS
GLOBAL CORONAVIRUS CASES EXCEED 50 MILLION AFTER 30-DAY SPIKE
Global coronavirus infections exceeded 50 million on Sunday, according to a Reuters tally, with a second wave of the virus in the past 30 days accounting for a quarter of the total.
October was the worst month for the pandemic so far, with the United States becoming the first country to report more than 100,000 daily cases. A surge in Europe contributed to the rise.
The latest seven-day average shows global daily infections are rising by more than 540,000.
More than 1.25 million people have died from the respiratory disease that emerged in China late last year.
The pandemic’s recent acceleration has been ferocious. It took 32 days for the number of cases to rise from 30 million to 40 million. It took just 21 days to add another 10 million.
Europe, with about 12 million cases, is the worst-affected region, overtaking Latin America. Europe accounts for 24% of COVID-19 deaths.
Source: Reuters
EMERGING ECONOMIES AT CROSSROADS AS STATE ROLE SET TO GROW IN WAKE OF COVID-19
As the coronavirus pandemic sparks calls for more state intervention, emerging economies face tough choices to determine whether an increased role for government will have positive or negative long-term consequences.
The latest Transition Report from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) says 45 per cent of people in the EBRD’s post-communist economies now favour higher levels of state ownership.
Citizens also increasingly expect the state to be able to reduce the health and economic risks they face.
Past epidemics have been shown to leave a large dent in people’s trust in the economic and political institutions that underpin democracy and the market economy.
The new report shows that individuals reaching adulthood during major recessions tend to have more positive views of public ownership and income redistribution.
Source: EBRD
FIVE WAYS TO REVITALIZE AVIATION AND TOURISM IN CENTRAL ASIA
From the snowy peaks of the Pamir mountains to the vast wilderness of the Karakum desert, Central Asia is a region of astonishing natural beauty and historical significance. In recent years, the region has emerged as a rising tourism destination attracting a growing number of visitors – both international and domestic.
But with COVID-19 initiating a wave of border closures in March, tourism and aviation in Central Asia have suffered a devastating blow. For countries in the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program – a partnership for 11 nations to promote economic growth and development through regional cooperation – virtually all international flights were suspended and several countries banned domestic air travel to contain the disease.
Domestic flights in all CAREC countries have resumed but domestic traffic remains below pre-pandemic levels while international traffic is a tiny fraction of what it was as restrictions on international travel remain in place.
Source: ADB
CHINA OCTOBER EXPORTS SURGE, IMPORTS RISE AMID GLOBAL RECOVERY
China exports grew at the fastest pace in 19 months in October, while imports also rose, official data showed on Saturday, as the world’s second largest economy continued to recover after being hit hard by the coronavirus crisis earlier this year.
Exports in October rose 11.4% from a year earlier, beating analysts’ expectations of a 9.3% increase and quickening from a solid 9.9% increase in September.
The surge in exports pushed the trade surplus for October up to $58.44 billion, compared with the poll’s forecast for a $46 billion surplus and a $37 billion surplus in September.
China’s trade surplus with the United States widened to $31.37 billion in October from $30.75 billion in September.
China’s exports have stayed largely resilient amid the COVID-19 global pandemic, as strong demand for medical supplies and reduced manufacturing capacity elsewhere worked in China’s favour.
Source: Reuters
See also: China copper imports rise 43.4 y/y in Oct, set annual peak in just 10 months
CHILE COPPER OUTPUT COSTS PLUNGED IN FIRST HALF EVEN AS PANDEMIC RAGED - GOVERNMENT
Chile’s copper mining industry, the world’s largest, saw a 17% drop in its production costs in the first half of 2020, the mining ministry said on Thursday, even as the coronavirus outbreak was sweeping through the South American country.
Cash costs fell from $1.45 per pound in the first six months of 2019 to $1.21 per pound of copper produced during the same period in 2020, the ministry said in a statement.
A strengthening dollar against the peso, as well as falling prices of key ingredients in the processing of copper, including sulfuric acid and diesel, contributed to the drop in costs, a report from Chilean copper agency Cochilco, cited by the ministry, said.
The analysis assessed mines that account for 92% of Chile’s copper production, and largely overlapped with the height of the country’s coronavirus outbreak.
Source: Reuters
IT'S OFFICIAL: SOLAR IS THE CHEAPEST ELECTRICITY IN HISTORY
In a new report, the International Energy Agency (IEA) says solar is now the cheapest form of electricity for utility companies to build. That’s thanks to risk-reducing financial policies around the world, the agency says, and it applies to locations with both the most favorable policies and the easiest access to financing. The report underlines how important these policies are to encouraging development of renewables and other environmentally forward technologies.
Carbon Brief (CB) summarizes the annual report with a lot of key details. The World Energy Outlook 2020 “offers four ‘pathways’ to 2040, all of which see a major rise in renewables,” CB says. “The IEA’s main scenario has 43 [percent] more solar output by 2040 than it expected in 2018, partly due to detailed new analysis showing that solar power is 20 [to] 50 [percent] cheaper than thought.”
Source: Popular Mechanics
UK ECONOMY GREW BY RECORD 15.5 PCT IN Q3, BUT SECOND LOCKDOWN COULD DERAIL RECOVERY
The U.K. economy grew by 15.5% in the third quarter, according to preliminary figures published Thursday, as it begins to rebound from a sharp downturn.
Economists polled by Reuters had expected a 15.8% quarter-on-quarter expansion in GDP (gross domestic product) in the three months to September. It comes after an unprecedented 19.8% plunge in the previous quarter as nationwide lockdown measures crippled activity.
The third-quarter bounce marks the U.K.’s sharpest quarterly expansion since records began in 1955, but GDP is still 9.7% below where it was at the end of 2019, the Office for National Statistics said Thursday. Compared with the third quarter of last year, GDP fell 9.6%.
Monthly growth slowed throughout the third quarter. GDP expanded by 6.3% in July, slowing to 2.2% in August and 1.1% in September, when it was driven by the professional, scientific and technical industries, according to the ONS.
Source: CNBC
PHILIPPINE ECONOMY SLUMPS 11.5 PCT IN Q3 2020
The Philippine economy contracted at a slower rate of 11.5% in the 3rd quarter, as the government gradually eased restrictions despite continuously rising COVID-19 cases.
The latest gross domestic product (GDP) growth, although negative, is an improvement from the deeper-than-expected 16.9% dip in the 2nd quarter – the worst reading on record.
Among major economic industries, agriculture posted growth of 1.2% in the 3rd quarter, while industry and services both recorded contractions of 17.2% and 10.6%, respectively.
The per capita GDP growth rate dipped by -12.7% during the quarter from a 4.8% growth in the same period last year.
The recession lingering in the 3rd quarter was no surprise, since the government's economic team, as well as analysts and credit rating agencies polled by various news outlets, expected negative growth during the quarter.
The double-digit dip, however, was much sharper than what the market expected and was worse than regional peers.
Source: Rappler.com
GLOBAL MANUFACTURERS ARE FLOCKING TO VIETNAM. IS IT READY? - EDITORIAL
The communist country is enjoying an influx of foreign manufacturers, a trend that began after 2007 when low-end garment and shoe factories began to leave China and its rising costs. Now Vietnam is hoping to become a major hub for high-tech manufacturing, as U.S. pressure on China is forcing a re-alignment of the supply chain that supports the computer, smartphone and telecom industries. Already, Samsung alone contributes a quarter of Vietnam's exports, while Intel chose the country to house its biggest chip assembly plant worldwide.
For global manufacturers of all types, over-reliance on China has become more precarious in the wake of the U.S. trade war, pandemic-related supply chain disruptions and higher costs. Their relocation next door helped drive up Vietnam's manufacturing sector, which at its peak expanded 21% annualized in February, before the COVID lockdown began.
Source: Nikkei Asia
THREE WAYS BIDEN WILL IMMEDIATELY SHIFT US POLICY ON ASIA - EDITORIAL
U.S. President-elect Joe Biden is unlikely to undertake a full reversal of Donald Trump's course on key issues that will affect Asia, analysts say.
But on security, trade, and climate change, Biden could take several executive actions not only to realign the U.S. with its commitments to allies and international pacts, but also to encourage cooperation with rivals like China.
Biden sought to shore up ties with key Asian allies on Thursday, making his first calls with the leaders of Japan, South Korea and Australia.
Here are some immediate actions Biden could take during his first days in office to shift policy on three key issues: Security, Trade, and Climate Change.
Source: Nikkei Asia
UNICEF: GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS ON FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS AND OTHER GOOD WORKPLACE PRACTICES IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19
A family friendly workplace or employer is one whose policies and practices make it possible for employees and/or workers to more easily achieving work-life balance, and to fulfil both their work and family obligations. These policies may include, but are not limited to, childcare, breastfeeding rooms, flexible work arrangements, paid leave, safe transport, parenting education and so on.
In Mongolia and various other countries, authorities have enforced kindergarten- and school closure policies as part of the preparedness and response to contain the COVID-19 epidemic. In addition to the impacts on children’s education, there are concerns about children’s protection and well-being as children are left alone or without adequate care as many parents still need to go to work. COVID-19 may also have negative effects on mental health and wellbeing of patients (if any), caregivers, children and adolescents and the public, such as experiencing fear of the consequences of infection with a new virus, and triggering stigma. Those placed in quarantine (or self-isolated) may experience boredom, loneliness, and anger.
By promoting flexible working arrangements such as adjusted working hours, working from home and/or support childcare, your employees will be in better position to address any childcare challenges and not be distracted by concerns about their children’s safety and wellbeing at home.
CHINA GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN MONGOLIA (ZUNHUA) SENDS LETTER OF GRATITUDE TO THE BCM
The Business Council of Mongolia (BCM) sent a letter of support to partner business organizations in China including: China General Chamber of Commerce in Mongolia (Zunhua), China International Council for the Promotion of Multinational Corporations, Boao Forum for Asia and Xinhua Agency. Here is a letter of gratitude from Zunhua and BCM has received similar letters from other partner organizations.
Click here to view the letter.
THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF MONGOLIA AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY ESTABLISH MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Under the purpose of expanding cooperation, Chairman of the Business Council of Mongolia B.Byambasaikhan and Director-General of the National Development Agency B.Bayarsaikhan established a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 17, 2019. The purpose of the MoU is to stabilize Mongolian investment policy, boost competitiveness, improve the legal environment, provide information to investors, and to intensify the activities of the Public-Private Dialogue Council.
Works to be implemented by the parties under the scope of the MoU include protection of the legal interests of investors, improvement of the investment climate, informational exchange between the two organizations, introduction of international experiences, as well as creation of a handbook for investors.
In addition, the Business Council of Mongolia has taken on the role of Coordinator for the Public-Private Dialogue Council established under the Investment Protection Council, and is facilitating discussion of pending proposals by government and parliament with the aim of actively representing the interests of the private sector and raising issues faced by investors to government organizations.
UNICEF: CALL FOR ACTIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO REDUCE CHILDREN’S EXPOSURE TO AIR POLLUTION IN UB
Too many children are at risk of dying in UB due to air pollution each year. In addition to longer-term measures to reduce overall levels of air pollution in Ulaanbaatar, UNICEF recommends that companies address some of their CSR activities in the following ways:
1. Provision of air purifiers to kindergartens, schools and clinics. Children spend a considerable amount of their time in school. Air purification systems are demonstrated to be effective in reducing air pollution levels within a home or classroom. Recent innovations have made these more affordable, durable and effective. Every classroom should have an air purifier.
2. Provision of electric heaters to kindergartens, schools and clinics. Electric heaters can help to reduce ambient air pollution. Reducing financial barriers to access can also help improve use of electric heaters.
3. Improved construction and insulation in kindergartens, schools and clinics. This can help reduce the amount of air pollution that enters facilities where children spend most of their time. It also saves considerably on heating costs. Studies show some improvements can decrease air exchange by up to 40%.
4. Provision of air pollution monitoring devices in kindergartens, schools and clinics. Monitoring devices are often a first, major step to understanding one’s own risk to air pollution. It can not only inform improved practices to reduce exposure, but it is also an effective mechanism for communities to better understand what is causing air pollution, and when it is particularly harmful.
5. Improved awareness and behaviour-change campaigns. Low awareness amongst communities about the impacts of air pollution on child health and how to respond is a key barrier to addressing the air pollution crisis. There is a need to influence policymakers, relevant government institutions, businesses, CSOs, development partners, and the general public (including families and children) about the risks that air pollution poses to their health, as well as provide guidance and recommendations on various ways to address some of the most immediate threats.
These actions will reduce children’s exposure to air pollution, safeguarding them from the worst impacts at the same time as building momentum and creating an enabling environment for longer plans that reduce air pollution. UNICEF will provide guidance on these recommendations where possible. UNICEF can also help facilitate connections between actors, agencies and institutions, including schools/ clinics where children are particularly affected. However, in order to maximize efficiency, these projects should be planned, developed, implemented and monitored by the private sector company involved. Nor will any funding go through UNICEF. This helps enhance accountability, and allows private sector donors to be more actively involved in the solution of directly supporting children in UB to breathe cleaner, healthier air.
For more information and guidance, please contact UNICEF for (Amy Wickham, awickham@unicef.org; and Sunjidmaa Jamba, sjamba@unicef.org)
BCM GUIDELINE FOR COMPANIES TO COMBAT AIR POLLUTION
Purpose: This Guideline document is to help CEOs and business leaders quickly identify possible actions they can implement in their organizations against air pollution.
Resources for information on Air Pollution
• Ministry of Environment Tourism on Air Pollution;
• National Committee on Reduction of Air Pollution;
• The Resolution of the National Committee to Reduce Air Pollution;
• Measures taken in connection with the adoption of the Law on air pollution reduction;
• Air Quality in Ulaanbaatar: Monitoring outputs by Air Quality Department, Capital City;
• City Health Authority: UB Health Index;
• UNICEF Reports on “Understanding and addressing the impact of air pollution on children’s health in Mongolia”
• Parents against air pollution FB page;
• www.agaar.mn
• www.ub-air.info
• www.stateair.mn
• http://ubairpollution.org
• Smart Air Mongolia masks
• mobile apps: AirVisual, “Аgaar”
Specific ACTIONS that companies can take NOW:
Educate employees about air pollution; invite guest speakers; encourage employees to share information with friends and family; discuss possible solutions with employees
• Possible topics: damages and causes of air pollution, protection measures, energy consumption & efficiency; indoor air quality (smoking indoors); breastfeeding & healthy diet; vehicle idling; vehicle maintenance;
Work environment:
• Improve energy efficiency in building/office to reduce energy consumption;
• Plant & maintain trees; install air cleansing plants in the office;
• Install HEPA air filter and air purifiers to tackle indoor air pollution (For an affordable solution, visit http://smartairfilters.com/mn/en/;
• Install monitoring devices;
• Smart Air Mongolia masks
Work activities:
• Ensure company vehicles are well maintained to reduce pollution emissions;
• Drivers/employees instructed to not idle & to turn off vehicle engine when not moving;
• Implement carpooling activities;
• In polluted air, ensure employees wear pollution masks;
Social responsibility:
• Focus CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiatives to tackle air pollution
• Tackle air pollution in UB: UNICEF recommends focusing on areas where children are especially affected, and where urgent interventions need to be put in place to protect them as soon as possible. The
