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BUSINESS COUNCIL of MONGOLIA
NewsWire
www.bcmongolia.org
info@bcmongolia.org
Issue 318 – March 28, 2014
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS:
Business
 Rio Tinto faces further setbacks at Oyu Tolgoi;
 Rio names Mongolia as 4th largest tax recipient;
 SouthGobi warns of debt default; shares tank;
 SouthGobi decides against dry coal handling unit;
 Centerra Gold prepared to spend up to USD 370 million at Gatsuurt;
 Nikken Sekkei Group to design 68-story building in UB business district;
 Printer toner factory opens;
 Pandrol complains of unfair bidding for new railway project;
 Kincora announces completion of USD 4.48 million private placement;
 South African official explores cooperation opportunities at Shivee Ovoo;
 Imax signs two-theater deal in Mongolia;
 Mongolian Railway appoints CEO;
 State University of Agriculture to cooperate with Missouri State University;
 China-Mongolia Business Council to launch in April;
 Khan Bank provides finance lessons for youth;
 PetroChina's healthy embrace of market reality;
 Sinopec speeds up shale gas development.
Economy
 Mongolia to spend MNT 1 trillion on industrial production;
 Volume of gold sales grows 8-fold y-o-y;
 Coal miners lay off workers amid difficult market climate;
 New Customs system to launch Tuesday;
 Ulaanbaatar to issue MNT 370 billion bond;
 New sewage plant for Arkhangai;
 Mongolian investors hope good times will roll again;
 Mongolia puts ger shantytowns on the map;
 Nigel Finch joins effort to strengthen Australia-Mongolia ties;
 Australia to grant more scholarships;
 NGO staff receives scholarships to mark end of 2-year development program;
 Zorig Foundation to launch Young Scholars Program;
 EPCRC released 2013 index for competitiveness among provinces;
 EU to provide EUR 6.5bn to Mongolia and 11 other Asian nations;
 Copper rebounds from recent sell-off;
 Pollution killed 7 million people worldwide in 2012, report finds;
 Guessing China's plans for growth;
 Yuan's decline raises concerns over currency war.
Politics
 Parliament adjusts timetable for spring session;
 New state-owned company replaces ministries' construction departments;
 Former premier submits bill on trade regulations;
 Roads minister submits draft resolution for Roads Policy;
 Blair meets with Altankhuyag for private talks;
 Australian, Mongolian governments announce Mongolian mining partnership;
 China, Mongolia vow to cement party-to-party exchanges;
 Parliamentary Offices of Mongolia and Laos to cooperate;
 Kuwaiti ambassador visits Bayan-Ulgii province in Mongolia;
 Albania, Mongolia to strengthen relations;
 Ministry extends NGO management at Khustai;
 Allens reviews regulations for investment agreements under Investment Law;
 Mongolian Kakuryu promoted to yokozuna, sumo’s highest rank;
 Malaysia premier releases statement on fate of MH370.
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
 MSE Top 20 Index by market Capitalization;
 Foreign-listed Companies with Mongolian Assets;
 Supermarket Price Comparison – March 2014;
 Inflation;
 Central bank policy rate;
 Currency rates.
*Click on titles above to link to articles.
SPONSORS
Khan Bank International SOS
Invest Mongolia Agency Mongolian Economy Magazine
Oxford Business Group
BCM MEETING RECAP
The BCM meeting on 24 March with Vice Chairman Randolph Koppa in the chair was attended by 110
members and invited guests. Koppa noted that many of those who attended were dividing their
time with the day's Mongolian Economic Forum. ―The theme this year is to work for the initiative to
move forward to 2040 to develop a strategy and priorities to develop Mongolia among a number of
scenarios,‖ he said, referencing the three scenarios presented by the World Economic Forum at the
event.
Executive Director Jim Dwyer reported on the happenings at BCM's working groups, including what
looks to be imminent additional comments from the Legislative Working Group on the new draft of
Amendments to the Minerals Law possibly soon after the opening of the spring session of Parliament
on April and the appointment of Khulan, Tax Manager at Oyu Tolgoi LLC, as co-chair of the Tax
Working Group. Khulan is replacing Arthur Cookson who is stepping down to focus on his work with
Rio Tinto PLC. Dwyer also reported on a meeting of the Capital Markets Working Group, where
Mongolia Growth Group's new chief executive officer, Paul Byrne, spoke on the new directions of his
company. The CEO of Wolf Petroleum Ltd. also presented that evening to provide an overview on
the oil explorer's activities.
Also during the evening, BCM Chairman Bayanjargal Byambasaikhan signed a memorandum of
understanding with the Invest Mongolia Agency head Sereeter Javkhlanbaatar. ―We have just signed
an MoU for you, please utilize the opportunity for both BCM and Investment Mongolia,‖ said
Javklhanbaatar. ―We will be your partner, and we will do our best.‖
The following new BCM members were introduced:
1. Mongol Bridge Group is a union of six individual companies that together dedicate their full
efforts in bringing global practices and know-how to the Mongolian market, each in their respective
fields. By reaching this goals Mongol Bridge hopes to bring to Mongolia the most efficient and
effective methods in their respective fields, backed by flexible management, excellent executive
teams, and young leadership.
Member company activities encompass business consulting, real estate, natural rehabilitation, food
and beverages, and mining.
2. Resource Mincom LLC is a foreign invested company established in October 2010. The company
runs fluorspar enrichment operations able to produce 20,000 to 25,000 tons of enriched fluorspar a
year at Batnorov Soum, Khentii Aimag.
3. Terra Energy LLC, since its establishment in 2011 as the 100 percent-owned Mongolian subsidiary
of Guildford Coal, has aimed to support local communities through its preference of employing a
local workforce and contracting local suppliers while focusing on the development of sustainable
cooperation with local communities.
Terra Energy is currently developing two projects in Mongolia, one in Dundgobi Aimag and another
Umnugobi Aimag. The Umnugobi project is a large open-cut coking and thermal coal prospect that
is located 60 kilometers from the Chinese border and is adjacent to two operating coal mines,
SouthGobi Sands LLC and Mongolyn Alt (MAK) Group. The project in Umnugobi is now almost ready
for mining and the export of high-quality coal.
John Grogan, chairman of the Mongolian-British Chamber of Commerce, presented first, discussing
British links with Mongolia. ―Last year we celebrated 50 years since Britain became the first country
to recognize Mongolia,‖ he said. ―Obviously relations have developed over the years,‖ he said,
including the contract between the Mongolian Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange, as well
as partnerships in manufacturing and architectural design.
Grogan noted the importance that the Tavan Tolgoi and Oyu Tolgoi projects play in the economy,
noting that it was important that Mongolia carefully balance interests. He also lauded Mongolia for
its forward visions in renewable energy generation.
The second speakers of the evening were E. Enerelt, investment officer for Asian Development
Bank, and Ts. Batbayar, director of the concession division at the Ministry of Economic
Development, where they discussed the development of Mongolia's private-public partnership (PPP)
agreements. Enerelt began by explaining the purpose of PPPs, including the sharing of knowhow and
resources. ―The main objective is to provide public good while maximizing asset utilization,‖ said
Batbayar, adding, ―Contract arrangements between public and private entities through skills,
assets, and financing shares the risks and rewards.‖
Batbayar introduced how Mongolia was taking advantage of PPPs, mainly through the use of
concession agreements where ownership is held by the private entities during development and
transferred to the government upon completion or at a future date. Other options were agreements
for leasing, management, and contracted services. Mongolia first began utilizing PPP agreements in
2009 by contracting out technical assistance and drafting the Concession Law, he said. Since then,
Mongolia has considered 121 concession proposals, with 51 still under consideration by the Cabinet
Secretariat. Thus far, only two are coming close to being enacted, he said.
The final speaker of the evening was Thierry Plaisant, general director for Areva Mongol LLC. He
began by recounting the French uranium and renewable energy firm's history in Mongolia, beginning
with the establishment of COGEGOBI LLC in 1996. Then, in 2003, Areva acquired the Dulaan Uul
uranium deposit, followed by the Zoovch Ovo deposit in 2009. The Dulaan Uul and Zoovh Ovoo
resources were later registered by the Mineral Resources Authority at 6,259 and 57,700 tons of
uranium, respectively.
―We have been here a long time—15 years—and expect to be here for 30, 40 years more,‖ said
Plaisant.
Areva has taken its responsibility of community relations as a great priority, he said, including MNT
1 billion in social spending and a three-year community development plan.
BUSINESS
RIO TINTO FACES FURTHER SETBACKS AT OYU TOLGOI
Rio Tinto PLC‘s expansion of the vast Oyu Tolgoi copper mine could be further delayed because a
deadline to secure project finance may be missed, according to the company that owns the
Mongolian project.
Rio and the Mongolian government are trying to iron out disagreements over bearing some
development costs of the mine, one of the largest global copper deposits to come on stream this
decade and a crucial plank in Rio‘s growth plans. However Turquoise Hill, the Rio-controlled
company that owns 66 per cent of Oyu Tolgoi, said these ―shareholder issues‖ might not be resolved
until a feasibility study for the mine‘s growth is completed, expected in the first half of the year.
That puts Rio at risk of missing a 31 March deadline to close project finance agreements with
commercial banks as well as with two multilateral development banks.
In a further setback, Turquoise Hill also cut its estimates of output this year from the part of the
mine already operating by 15,000 tons, after ramp-up problems in recent weeks. Oyu Tolgoi is now
expected to produce between 135,000 and 160,000 tons of copper in concentrates this year,
compared with a previous forecast of 150,000 to 175,000 tons. Turquoise Hill also trimmed its
estimate for output of gold, a byproduct at the mine.
Rio has said repeatedly it would rather take time to strike the right deal for a project that will last
for many years. ―It‘s a big project, it‘s a complex project, it is a very long-life project, you need to
get these things right up front,‖ said Sam Walsh, chief executive, last month.
But Walsh warned Mongolia on the project finance talks, saying: ―The government is aware of the
deadlines and the importance of the project finance. These agreements are in place. It would be a
backward step if we had to renegotiate those.‖
Source: Financial Times
RIO NAMES MONGOLIA AS 4TH LARGEST TAX RECIPIENT
Mongolia was the fourth largest recipient of tax payments from Rio Tinto PLC in 2013, out of any of
the countries it operated in 2013 that year.
Rio Tinto reported USD 220 million in taxes and fees paid to Mongolia in 2013, out of USD 9.4 billion
paid globally for the year. Oyu Tolgoi copper mine operator Rio Tinto voluntarily reported individual
payments of over USD 1 million made to governments.
―This report demonstrates the significant contribution Rio Tinto makes to public finances in the
countries where it operates around the globe,‖ said Rio Tinto Chief Financial Officer Chris Lynch.
―We are a strong advocate for global tax transparency and this is reflected through this report and
our founding membership of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative".
Australia received the most in tax from Rio, with more than USD 5.7 billion paid last year, followed
by Canada (USD 523 million), and Chile (USD 380 million).
Source: Info Mongolia
SOUTHGOBI WARNS OF DEBT DEFAULT; SHARES TANK
Canada's SouthGobi Resources Ltd. said it could default on a debt repayment and was looking to
raise money, sending its shares down as much as 29 percent in afternoon trading.
The company, controlled by Rio Tinto PLC through its unit Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd., also
reported a bigger quarterly loss, mainly due to impairment charges. A delay in securing additional
financing could result in a default of USD 250 million debentures held by China Investment Corp,
SouthGobi said in a statement on Monday. SouthGobi shares plunged to 52 Canadian cents in
afternoon trading, making it one of the biggest percentage losers on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
The company had working capital—the difference between current assets and liabilities—of USD
41.7 million as of 31 December, compared with USD 120.4 million a year earlier. As of 24 March, the
company had USD 10 million cash on hand. SouthGobi said it expects liquidity problems to continue
and margins to remain weak as coal prices are likely to stay anemic in China this year, echoing U.S.
rivals such as Alpha Natural Resources and Arch Coal Inc. Producers of metallurgical, or
steelmaking, coal have been hit by weak demand amid slowing growth in China.
SouthGobi is being investigated by Mongolia's Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC) and
State Investigation Office (SIA) for possible breaches of anti-corruption, money laundering and
taxation laws. The company said on Monday it had received a notice from the Mongolian authorities
that might lead to criminal actions against three of its former employees and SouthGobi could be
held liable as "civil defendant."
The company's net loss widened to USD 138.7 million, or 75 cents per share, in the fourth quarter
ended December 31, from USD 56.6 million, or 31 cents per share, a year earlier. SouthGobi took
impairment losses of USD 106.8 million in the quarter. The company reported revenue of USD 32.5
million. SouthGobi reported revenue of USD 1.2 million in the year-earlier quarter, hurt by
suspension of production at its flagship Ovoot Tolgoi mine in Mongolia.
Source: Reuters
SOUTHGOBI DECIDES AGAINST DRY COAL HANDLING UNIT
Mongolia-focused SouthGobi Resources Ltd. said it is now looking for new financing and after review
will not proceed with a dry coal handling facility (DCHF) at the Ovoot Tolgoi semi-soft coking coal
mine, as it takes a USD 66.9 million charge related to the decision.
The partly constructed DCHF facility will no longer be part of the company's product strategy for
the foreseeable future as it seeks to minimize costs. SouthGobi reported a fall in product pricing for
its coals, which are exported to China, as it sold more standard grade semi-soft coking coal rather
than its premium grade into a weaker market and booked a USD 138.7 million loss for the fourth
quarter, compared with a USD 56.6 million loss for the same period in 2012.
"The Mongolian coal industry faced strong competition from seaborne and domestic Chinese coal
producers. These factors led to both lower prices and a reduction in market share of 16% for
Mongolian coal producers in Chinese coking coal imports in 2013 compared to 2012," it said.
The first phase of the DCHF project comprised a coal rotary breaker intended to reduce screening
costs and improve yield recoveries. This equipment was successfully commissioned in February 2012
and operated briefly, but was not used further since mining activities that were halted later in 2012
recommenced in March 2013. The second phase of the DCHF project included the installation of dry
air separation modules and covered load out conveyors with fan stackers to take processed coals to
stockpiles and enable more efficient blending.
As coal markets improve and production from Ovoot Tolgoi increases in line with anticipated
capacity of nine million tons a year of run-of-mine production, the DCHF will be reviewed again,
SouthGobi said. Further, SouthGobi said it recorded a USD 30.2 million impairment loss in the fourth
quarter, related to USD 33.6 million in prepaid toll washing fees to Ejinaqi Jinda Coal Industry Co.
Source: Platts
CENTERRA GOLD PREPARED TO SPEND UP TO USD 370 MILLION AT GATSUURT
Centerra Gold Inc. is prepared to invest up to another USD 320 million into the Gatsuurt god deposit
once government permission arrives, said Centerra's vice president at the Prospectors and
Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto, Canada in March.
―Confidence in the mining industry of Mongolia has been recovering,‖ said Jeff Parr, who is also
Centerra's chief financial officer. ―We have invested USD 50 million in the Gatsuurt deposit. In the
future, we are ready to make additional investment of USD 270-320 million.‖
The government banned exploration at Gatsuurt after the passage of the so-called 2009 Long-Name
Law that banned exploration and mining activities at areas near forests and head waters. Miners
await a controversial amendment to the law to learn the final decision on where mining activities
will be allowed.
Source: Zuunii Medee
NIKKEN SEKKEI GROUP TO DESIGN 68-STORY BUILDING IN UB BUSINESS DISTRICT
Mongolia's Mon Uran LLC 11 March signed a letter of agreement with Japanese architect Nikken
Sekkei Group for the construction of what would be Ulaanbaatar's largest tower during the MIPIM
international real estate show held in Cannes, France.
Dubbed the Tower Project, the building would be Mongolia‘s first ever 68-story building in
Ulaanbaatar city. Blueprints show plans to develop a 110,000 square-meter high-rise building
situated 1.1 hectares south of the Children‘s Palace. The 250-meter tower would feature
earthquake resistance, an observatory deck at the top floors, residential area for sale, serviced
apartments, a five-star hotel, commercial office and retail space, indoor and outdoor parking.
―We agreed that MIPIM would be an ideal international platform for us to sign our agreement and
we intend to showcase the project here next year,‖ said Mon Uran Chief Executive Officer B.
Oyunchimeg. ―We chose Nikken Sekkei because this project requires high quality and vision, and we
believe that they have the right credentials to deliver such a design,‖ she added.
The project is scheduled to begin in 2014 and complete December 2018.
Source: Info Mongolia
PRINTER TONER FACTORY OPENS
The Mongolian company Tugs Dardas has opened Mongolia's first laser printer and copy machine
toner factory.
The factory has the capacity to produce more than 30 types of toner for some 50 types of printers,
such as HP, Canon, Lenovo, Samsung, and XEROX. The factory has two production lines with 16
workers and will produce 300 printer toners per day, with production to utilize imported parts.
Organizations such as mobile telecoms company Unitel and the SME Support Fund have committed
to using Tugs Dardas' products.
Source: Unuudur
PANDROL COMPLAINS OF UNFAIR BIDDING FOR NEW RAILWAY PROJECT
The British railway part manufacturer Pandrol has complained of an unfair bidding process for
Mongolia's railway construction process.
Pandrol has complained that Samsung C&T's decision to partner with Germany's Vossloh for railway
fastening and sleeper parts for the construction of 267 kilometers of rail was unfair because
Vossloh's parts have not been tested in Mongolia yet, which is a requirement for its use. A working
group established by the Road and Transportation Ministry has been tasked with investigating the
complaint.
Source: Undesnii Shuudan
KINCORA ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF USD 4.48 MILLION PRIVATE PLACEMENT
Kincora Copper Ltd. announced the completion of an oversubscribed CAD 5 million (USD 4.48
million) private placement.
Funds from the capital raising will be used for high priority drilling, and other exploration activities,
at our flagship and wholly owned Bronze Fox license in the upcoming 2014 field season. Kincora has
closed the first tranche of financing for gross proceeds of CAD 4.575 million through the issuance of
91.5 million units at a price of CAD 0.05 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share and one
common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common
share of Kincora for a period of two years, expiring 24 March 2016 at a price of CAD 0.105 per
share.
"Kincora attracted significant demand for the Offering, which has been well oversubscribed,
illustrating strong interest and support for our proposed field season activities at Bronze Fox,‖ said
Sam Spring, Kincora president and chief executive. He added, ―The Company‘s focus is now
mobilizing field season activities and advancing a number of corporate initiatives. Drilling, and
other follow up activities, are planned shortly at Bronze Fox based on extremely promising previous
drill results, new geophysical and other 'long lead' time / technical activities undertaken in 2013.‖
Kincora paid finder‘s fees of USD 190,642 for the first tranche of the offering, with efforts led by
the Private Office SA and Resource Investment Capital Limited (ResCap), and assisted by SkyPath
Partners LLC, Pareto Securities Limited and The Mongolian Investment Banking Group LLC (MIBG).
The company proposes to issue further approximately 8.5 million units for proceeds of
approximately USD 425,000 to Khayyam Minerals Ltd.
Source: Kincora Copper Ltd.
SOUTH AFRICAN OFFICIAL EXPLORES COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES AT SHIVEE OVOO
A South African delegation led by Godfrey Oliphant, the deputy minister of the country's mineral
resources, visited the Shivee Ovoo coal mine last week on Thursday.
The delegation inspected the mine's operations and capacity and learned the long-term goals for
the mine. Executive director of the mine O. Otgonbaatar met with the Oliphant to exchange views
on ways to introduce to Mongolia technology being implemented in South Africa and how their two
nations could cooperate. The South African official said that his visit was the start of fruitful
cooperation.
The mine, located 260 kilometers from the city, is Mongolia‘s largest brown coal deposit providing
30 percent of domestic coal demand and 70 percent of coal demand of energy production for the
central region.
Source: Montsame
IMAX SIGNS TWO-THEATER DEAL IN MONGOLIA
IMAX has signed a deal with New Tour Safaris Co. to bring two of its screens, and super-sized
Hollywood blockbuster movies, to Mongolia. The operator of the Urgoo Cinemas chain has inked a
deal to install two IMAX theaters in new construction projects in Ulaanbaatar, the nation‘s capital.
"With the rapid expansion of our international theater network and an increased number of local-
language films, we are now more globally diversified than ever and today‘s agreement underscores
our continued focus on globalization," Andrew Cripps, president of IMAX EMEA, who is charged with
the company's expansion beyond North America, said Friday in a statement.
The Mongolian deal gets IMAX into 58 countries and follows the large format exhibitor expanding in
Asia, and especially China, with Hollywood and local-language movie titles. Urgoo Cinemas
currently has seven screens in Mongolia, and has plans to bring seven to ten new multiplex cinemas
to the country within five years, while including IMAX screens.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
MONGOLIAN RAILWAY APPOINTS CEO
Mongolian Railway's governing board last week Friday appointed P. Batsaikhan as chief executive
officer. From 2006 to 2008 Batsaikhan served as state secretary to the Road and Tourism Ministry.
He also has worked as director of railroad projects for Millennium Challenge Corp. in Mongolia.
Source: Zuunii Medee
STATE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE TO COOPERATE WITH MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
Representatives of the Mongolian State University of Agriculture (MSUA) and the United States'
Missouri State University (MSU) Monday signed a cooperation agreement for the launching of a
student and cultural exchange program.
Signing the agreement Monday was Kh. Altantsetseg, deputy director of the MSUA department of
international cooperation, and Stephen Roninette, the MSU vice president for international
programs. The universities agreed to roll out a joint bachelor‘s degree program utilizing students
could either study at MSUA for three years and then complete a final year at MSU or study at MSUA
for two years, MSU for one year, and then return to MSUA for a final year.
Source: Montsame
CHINA-MONGOLIA BUSINESS COUNCIL TO LAUNCH IN APRIL
The first meeting of a China-Mongolia Business Council will be held 4 April at the Mongolian National
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI).
The council's main objectives are to widen Mongolia-China trade and economic cooperation, expand
the opportunities for Mongolian businessmen in the Chinese market, attract Mongolian enterprises
to joint ventures with Chinese companies, help Mongolian businessmen collaborate with China‘s
state-run and private organizations, and protect the legal interests and rights of Mongolian entities.
Members will elect council‘s members at the 4 April meeting.
Source: Montsame
KHAN BANK PROVIDES FINANCE LESSONS FOR YOUTHS
Khan Bank LLC organized multiple programs to broaden the financial education of young people
during Global Boney Week.
Khan Bank joined the Global Money Week program with the launch of two major programs for pupils
between fifth and seventh grade at 9 districts and 21 provinces. Khan Bank provided lessons to
approximately 5,700 students on the topics of money, the value of money, wise spending, saving
money, and how banks operate.
Lessons were also taught at Gegeerel, an unofficial education center in Sukhbaatar District for
children from 9 districts who have dropped out of school.
Source: Khan Bank LLC
PETROCHINA'S HEALTHY EMBRACE OF MARKET REALITY
Even China's state energy champions are bending to market realities. But that doesn't mean they
will behave entirely like their Western counterparts.
PetroChina Co. Ltd., the country's largest oil firm by production and the sole producer of petroleum
products from Mongolia, said Thursday that it slashed capital expenditure by 9.6 percent in 2013, a
sign that efficiency has become a priority over blind expansion. That's the first time capex has
declined since the state-owned company listed in 2000. It's budgeting another 7 percent cut this
year. The cuts come after years of bloat.
At its peak in 2012, PetroChina's USD 58 billion in capital expenditures outstripped the cash it
earned from operations by some USD 19 billion. It borrowed to bridge the gap, pushing net debt to
roughly 37 percent of equity that year from near zero in 2007. The company focused only on
growing size and pushed further into loss-making refining and chemicals, besides its core
exploration and production activities. Such profligacy is hard to continue, even more so with Brent
crude prices slumping 15 percent in the last two years. Western oil majors have responded by
scaling back costs and shedding assets. Investors will be glad to see a state-owned Chinese company
doing the same.
Yet PetroChina has much more cutting to do. Its capital expenditure was still 22 percent higher
than Exxon Mobil Corp.'s in 2013, though the Chinese firm produced 7 percent less oil and gas.
PetroChina is cutting in refining, pipelines and retail—everywhere except exploration and
production—unlike some Western majors who are dialing back drilling.
PetroChina is likely acting on Beijing's directives for state firms to be more market-oriented. That's
welcome, as is China latest increase to household natural gas prices this week, which lets the
company pass on costs. The danger for investors is PetroChina's continued tightness with the most
powerful forces in government. Last year, PetroChina was the stage for a corruption scandal linked
to top-level Communist Party infighting. Investors should wait for more signs of reform before
believing that PetroChina is ready to embrace market forces for real.
Source: Wall Street Journal
SINOPEC SPEEDS UP SHALE GAS DEVELOPMENT
Chinese oil company Sinopec Ltd., the company investing into a coal gasification plant in Mongolia,
will put its first shale gas field into commercial operation sooner than expected, aiming for annual
production of 10 billion cubic meters by 2017 as the country seeks to reduce its reliance on
imported oil and gas.
China‘s second-largest oil company is positioning itself as the flag-bearer of a drive to develop more
domestic fuel as the country seeks to mimic the U.S. shale revolution. Sinopec‘s decision could help
China reach its target of producing 6.5 billion cubic meters from shale by 2015, a target that most
analysts had thought could not be met because of disappointing early results.
Sinopec engineers were excited by initial results at wells drilled this year at Fuling, near the
southwestern metropolis of Chongqing. The company plans annual capacity at Fuling to reach 1.8
billion cubic meters by the end of this year, rising to 5 billion cubic meters by 2015, well above its
earlier target of 2 billion cubic meters by next year from all its shale plays. Media reports say it
could spend USD 4 billion on Fuling, a number the company did not confirm. Proceeds from a
planned sale of a 30 percent stake in Sinopec‘s cash cow petrol stations could be ploughed into
shale.
―The new capital from outside investors will be used for adjusting capital structure, further
exploiting shale gas fields, investing in environment and safety, and upgrading quality of oil
products,‖ Chairman Fu Chengyu told reporters in Hong Kong on Monday.
Sinopec, PetroChina Ltd. and Cnooc Group all cut back on capital expenditures in 2013, coming in
under budget for the year and signaling further cuts in 2014, in line with a global trend by oil groups
to reduce capex. PetroChina cut capex by 10 percent in 2013 and plans another 7 percent cut in
2014. ―We expect the CNPC group will be more prudent in its acquisition strategy under the new
management,‖ wrote Moody‘s analyst Kai Hu.
Sinopec cut expected capital expenditures by 4 percent to CNY 161.6 billion (USD $25.96 billion)
this year, after coming in 7 percent under budget last year.
Source: Financial Times
ECONOMY
MONGOLIA TO SPEND MNT 1 TRILLION ON INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION
Prime Minister Norov Altankhuyag at the Mongolian Economic Forum held this week noted the
importance of domestic production in Mongolia and how the government initiative to finance
Mongolian production of end products can help strengthen the economy.
The announcement fit this year's theme, ―Let's Create in Mongolia,‖ which encourages at home-
production in Mongolia for export goods and goods to replace regular imports. He noted that
Mongolia has allotted MNT 1 trillion to help finance start-ups aiming to replace imported goods and
export goods for construction materials, woven clothing, food, and mining.
―The number of end-product manufacturers in Mongolia are too few to count, with Mongolia
importing 88 percent of total consumer goods.‖ said Altankhuyag. ―Meanwhile the total export
estimates for raw materials accounts for over 90 percent. We should fix this system immediately,
otherwise expect an economic dilemma to appear easily.‖
This year's forum was its fifth year and featured a presentation by the World Economic Forum on
three development scenarios for Mongolia that were first introduced at Davos.
Source: Info Mongolia
VOLUME OF GOLD SALES GROWS 8-FOLD Y-O-Y
The Bank Mongolia reported that the volume of gold it purchased in February was eight times
greater than the year before in an economic report. Mongolia sold 1,114.5 kilograms of gold in
February compared with138.6 kilograms last year. The volume of January gold purchases was 255.8
kg.
Source: Zuunii Medee
COAL MINERS LAY OFF WORKERS AMID DIFFICULT MARKET CLIMATE
State-owned miners Baganuur and Shivee Ovoo have laid off over 100 workers each due to market
weakness for coal.
Mongolia had more than 50 coal mining companies in 2012, but saw only 5 retain operations last
year. This year, only Mongolyn Alt Group (MAK) exported a small volume of coal while others
curtailed production, instead investing in the project with ground work. MAK gave employees long
holidays with salary rather than lay off workers. Energy Resource LLC was the only company to
export washed coal last year, but only last week lifted a suspension of production put in place June
last year. Energy Resources employed 2,400 at peak production, but only retained workers with
partial pay during the period of suspended operations.
MAK, Energy Resource, SouthGobi Sands LLC, and Shenhua MAK Nariin Sukhait LLC—the major coal
miners in the Mongolian coal market—saw only small profits last year from small volumes of exports
while companies such as Mongolia Energy Corp. (MEC) Ltd. cut out export completely. MEC currently
had 70 employees at the Khushuut mine who received salaries during the operations suspension.
Khushuut operations are expected to resume in July.
B. Gulguu, a specialist for MEC, said the losses seen while operating were lesser than if they were
to suspend all activities. MEC has nearly finished its dry enrichment factory and is building washing
and enrichment factory in China.
Source: Undesnii Shuudan
NEW CUSTOMS SYSTEM TO LAUNCH TUESDAY
Mongolia is preparing to reform its customs system with a new operating structure to launch 1 April,
said Cabinet Secretariat Minister Ch. Saikhanbileg at the Border Point Reform meeting 19 March.
Government established two working groups tasked with identifying ways to reduce the number of
special permissions required by government. Mongolia has 46 border ports, 9 of which operate 24-7.
However, 60 percent of border ports lack the capacity to serve passengers and 30 percent do not
have any check points. Mongolia's Custom Law requires that the amount of paperwork that must be
presented at the border be reduced from 11 to 13 documents to two to four.
Another law expected to create greater efficiency in Customs, the Specialized Inspection Law bill,
will be discussed at the spring session of Parliament.
Source: Undesnii Shuudan
ULAANBAATAR TO ISSUE MNT 370 BILLION BOND
Ulaanbaatar Mayor Erdene Bat-Uul on March 26 announced the decision to release a MNT 370 billion
bond during a meeting with the chairman of the Mongolian-British Chamber of Commerce
Bat-Uul received an invitation from Mongolian-British Chamber of Commerce Chairman John Grogan
to discuss the Mongolian Investment Summit conference to be held in London from April 29-May 2.
On the agenda for the conference are discussions for bringing accounting to the international level,
creating consistencies between Mongolian and international law, and creating a favorable
investment environment. They also discussed a bond offering that city officials have worked on for
a year for the Mongolian exchange. The Ulaanbaatar City Council is scheduled to discuss the bond in
April before a finished plan is submitted to the city cabinet.
―I will be attending the upcoming Forum in London myself and hope fruitful collaboration with you,
particularly in investment and bond issues,‖ said Bat-Uul.
Source: Info Mongolia
NEW SEWAGE PLANT FOR ARKHANGAI
A sewage plant is under development for construction 8 kilometers from Tsetserleg Soum, Arkhangai
Aimag. Some MNT 8 billion has been allotted for the plant. Officials said construction was expected
to start this year, with commissioning expected for 2015.
Source: Montsame
MONGOLIAN INVESTORS HOPE GOOD TIMES WILL ROLL AGAIN
Mongolia does not attract the same amount of foreign investment as it used to and many investors
have cut their losses and left. But some high-profile executives are standing their ground with the
expectation that the good old days will return soon.
"There's a lot of money that needs to come into Mongolia, and it's not going to come in by itself,"
says Cameron McRae, who took on the role of executive chairman at Ulaanbaatar-based investment
and advisory firm SkyPath Partners after nearly three years as the country manager for Rio Tinto
PLC in Mongolia, where he headed the giant USD 6.5 billion Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine.
McRae has spent much of his career in Mongolia as a peacemaker managing the fraught relations
between Rio Tinto and the government. He is also advising Kincora Copper, which had to explain to
investors a CAD 7 million write-down because of the canceled licenses. He thinks the Mongolian
government understands investors' gripes, however, and it is doing its best to build the kind of
environment required to flourish.
McRae is not alone in his optimism about Mongolia. Property development veteran Paul Byrne is
chief executive officer of the commercial real estate-focused Mongolia Growth Group Ltd. His
resume boasts eight years leading commercial real estate development activities for the USD 3.2
billion Hong Kong International Airport and client representative to the New York Port Authority for
reconstruction of the World Trade Center. While the USD 80 million that Byrne says MGG invested
pales in comparison to the multi-billion-dollar projects and company portfolios he's worked with in
the past, he sees more growth potential in sheer scale here. The Western market "doesn't see step
changes like emerging markets," says Byrne.
Meanwhile McRae intends to help investors learn how they can participate in the massive
reconstruction effort, as well as other basic societal needs missing in the more remote corners of
the world's most sparsely populated country. Mongolian Prime Minister Norov Altankhuyag has
ordered that USD 230 million of a USD 1.5 billion sovereign bond issued in 2012 be used to finance
the establishment of at-home industries for downstream processing of the minerals mined here, as
well as agriculture, light industry and the production of materials for home and building
construction. And that's just where the country should be headed, says Byrne.
"Sometimes what you see in emerging markets is, until you get enough critical mass on the bones,
the peaks and troughs are very big," says Byrne while recalling his experience with economic crises
throughout Asia. "Once you have a bit more meat on the bones, the peaks and troughs are less."
Source: BNE
MONGOLIA PUTS GER SHANTYTOWNS ON THE MAP
Gers have been an iconic part of Mongolian nomadic culture for centuries. These white, mobile
tents have been home to generations of Mongolian warriors and herders, through the ebb and flow
of the nation‘s fortunes since the time of Genghis Khan. Perfectly suited to a nomadic lifestyle, gers
were never meant to serve as housing for urban residents. Yet today they have become the symbol
of Ulaanbaatar‘s growing slums, the ger districts.
A new city master plan approved by Parliament in February 2013 sets a first ever framework for the
ger districts upgrade, bundling them up in six sub-centers to be equipped with the necessary
infrastructure to give residents access to basic services. When the black smokes coming out of the
gers‘ stoves started contaminating the whole city, the government scrambled to approve relocation
schemes based on construction developments and cheap mortgages. Yet these programs largely fell
short as most ger residents simply could not afford them.
―When you upgrade poor urban areas, the best approach is to redevelop on site engaging with local
communities, because their network is there, as opposed to force people to move far away,‖ Asian
Development Bank (ADB)‘s urban development specialist Arnaud Heckmann observes.
The ADB and municipality have drafted a USD 320 million program to bring basic infrastructure to
the six sub-centers. Private developers are already negotiating deals with residents asking them to
swap their land plots for newly built apartments in the area. However, the idea of living in walled,
permanent apartments raises eyebrows for those who spent their entire lives in gers. Also, trust in
authorities is extremely low. That‘s why entire blocks belonging to the Bayankshoshuu and Selbe
sub-centers, the first two to be upgraded, still appear reluctant to agree to any sort of land swap
agreement.
Gers remain one of the most fundamental traditions of Mongolian unique nomadic culture, and still
provide home of almost half of Mongolians nationally today. Now that Ulaanbaatar‘s gers are on the
map, there is a chance that they can become the link between an ancient nomadic lifestyle and
modern-day living, without necessarily standing for poverty and deprivation.
Source: The Diplomat
NIGEL FINCH JOINS EFFORT TO STRENGTHEN AUSTRALIA-MONGOLIA TIES
Resource-rich and strategically located between China and Russia, Mongolia is the world‘s most
sparsely populated country, with 2.8 million people spread over an area almost as big as
Queensland, Australia. For most of the 20th century, Mongolia was a satellite state of the former
Soviet Union with a largely agrarian and centrally-planned economy. However, with the collapse of
Communism and a series of structural reforms in the 1990s, the country is now an emerging
democracy with one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
―Mongolia is at a crossroads in its economic development, with major projects in the mining and
agricultural sectors now underway, and the Mongolians are keen to acquire Australian technology
and knowhow in these crucial areas,‖ said Finch, director of the newly formed Australia Mongolia
Business Council and associate dean for undergraduates at the University of Sydney's Business
School.
He went on to say that Mongolia is also keen to further strengthen its educational links with
Australia. The Federal Government currently funds 40 places for Mongolian students at Australian
universities.
―There is already a strong relationship between the two countries, and the Australia Mongolia
Business Council will strengthen that relationship further,‖ Finch added.
The new business council will promote business opportunities in Mongolia; encourage mutually
beneficial cooperation between Australian and Mongolian companies; and work to reduce barriers to
trade and investment. It will also represent the interests of the more than 200 Australian companies
already operating in Mongolia. The Council will be chaired by Mark Green, Minter Ellison‘s
international managing partner.
―Australia has had a positive trade relationship with Mongolia for over 40 years, and in recent
times, the level of trade and investment into Mongolia from Australia has risen significantly,‖ said
Green.
Mongolia‘s Ambassador of Mongolia, Ravdan Bold, has welcomed the establishment of the Council
saying that his embassy was ―very supportive of the initiative and looks forward to working with the
Council in its future endeavors.‖
Source: University of Sydney
AUSTRALIA TO GRANT MORE SCHOLARSHIPS
Australia promised to grant more scholarships to Mongolian students during a visit last week by
Foreign Affairs Minister Luvsanvadan Bold.
Bold met with Australia's Minister of Foreign relations in Canberra, J. Bishop, where they agreed to
further development the relationship between their two countries with AUD 20 million in aid over
the next five years for a total of 43 scholarships—five more than last year.
Separately, Bold and his Australian counterpart agreed to continue to negotiate on a work-travel
program for Mongolian youths, and signed a memorandum of understanding for consular services.
Source: Zuunii Medee
NGO STAFF RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIPS TO MARK END OF 2-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Mongolian Center for Development Studies (MCDS) held a closing ceremony for the two-year
Local NGO Capacity Building Program at the Local NGO Marketplace Forum held at the Institute of
Finance and Economics (IFE), said the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation on its website
Tuesday.
The forum was the first of its kind for 75 local non-government organizations (NGOs), where they
showcased their achievements at the event and 15 organizations were awarded scholarships for a
new Master's Degree of NGO Management. Government representatives from three ministries
attended the event.
―We have big government, but how can we have smart government without NGOs?‖ asked the IFE
Deputy Director and host of the NGO Capacity-Building Program Batjargal. ―This is an opportunity to
show the government how NGOs contribute to national development.‖
A total of 120 organizations took part in the two-year program, learning how to improve their
organizational and management skills through a series of trainings covering subjects such as fiscal
management, strategic management, and leadership. A jury of representatives from IFE and MCDS
awarded members of 15 organizations with scholarships. Recipients came from 10 provinces and
specialized in areas such as government monitoring, environmental protection, and the promotion
of rights for people with disabilities.
The master‘s degree course will be offered either as a Saturday course or for two three-week blocks
per year over an 18-month period. The course will also feature materials from the MCDS that are to
be adapted for the future.
Source: Montsame
ZORIG FOUNDATION TO LAUNCH YOUNG SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Zorig Foundation is launching its Mongolian Young Scholars Program, which aims to prepare
promising Mongolian high school students for admissions into leading universities abroad.
The Mongolian Young Scholars Program will bring 30 Mongolian High School students on a seven-day
trip in late June this year to visit universities where they will be taught in English by
undergraduates from leading U.S. universities. The undergraduate instructors will present lectures
on the liberal arts, English language composition, and college preparation. The program will also
offer the opportunity for participants to engage with leaders from Mongolian society and to
participate in diverse extracurricular activities.
Student participants are to be recruited through a nationwide application process based on
academic performance and English-language ability.
Source: Zorig Foundation
EPCRC RELEASED 2013 INDEX FOR COMPETITIVENESS AMONG PROVINCES
The Economic Policy and Competitiveness Research Center (EPCRC) in a recently published report
named Orkhon Aimag as the province with the greatest competitiveness in Mongolia.
EPCRC announced the result of its study on the competitiveness of each province, with Orkhon and
the city of Erdenet leading the country. In second place was Umnugobi Aimag, where the Oyu Tolgoi
and Tavan Tolgoi projects are, followed by Darkhan-Uul in third, then Dornogobi Aimag, Tuv Aimag,
Selenge Aimag, Sukhbaatar Aimag, Gobi Sumber Aimag, and Dornod Aimag. Sukhbaatar was noted to
have the most positive business environment while Dundgobi had the least.
Arkhangai took the last spot, one spot behind its position last year. Dundgobi earned 156 points for
last year, for a score of 43, due to the construction of paved roads that lead to Ulaanbaatar.
Arkhangai also earned an additional four points for a score of 41.
The competitiveness index is evaluated based on 180 criteria, grouped into four main
classifications: economics, governance, business environment, and infrastructure. EPCRC said noted
hindrances in the development of some provinces were the absence of a provincial development
policy, infrastructure, and a fair business environment, with priorities listed in that order. Currently
12 provinces are connected with Ulaanbaatar via paved roads. Khuvsgul, Dornod, Umnugobi,
Sukhbaatar, Gobi-Altai and Zavkhan Aimags are all expected to have new roads connecting to the
capital this year, while Bayan Ulgii, Khovd and Uvs will see roads complete next year.
Source: Udriin Sonin
EU TO PROVIDE EUR 6.5 BN TO MONGOLIA AND 11 OTHER ASIAN NATIONS
European Union Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs on 20 March announced EUR 6.5
billion in financial support to Asian countries and organizations, including Mongolia, between 2014
and 2020.
Piebalgs made the announcement during a two-day event for a discussion with national and regional
authorities on development. The pledge for funding is a 20 percent increase from that of between
2007 and 2013, and will address issues within these nations that are targeted by Brussels and the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Priority issues include social protections,
healthcare, education, job creation, and the better integration of nations into regional and global
economic partnerships.
"The E.U. is committed to cooperation with Asia for the long-run. The future programs are expected
to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals in the region, address climate change, promote
energy efficiency, facilitate business and trade through better market access and support regional
integration, said Piebalgs"
Source: Info Mongolia
COPPER REBOUNDS FROM RECENT SELL-OFF
Copper continued to recover from a recent sharp sell-off, rising more than 2 percent on Tuesday as
traders closed bearish positions.
The red metal, which is used extensively in construction and electrical applications, hit a three-
and-half year low earlier this month on concerns about China, which accounts for 40 percent of
global copper demand. Copper for three-month delivery on the London Metal Exchange rose USD
115 to USD 6,585 a ton on Tuesday, lifted by a flurry of short covering in China and news of an
industrial dispute at a large mine in Chile, the world‘s leading copper producer.
Worries about supply disruption prompted investors to close their bearish positions. The slump in
the prices was sparked by China‘s first corporate bond default in modern history. This triggered a
reassessment of credit risk in the country and in turn raised concerns that financing deals could be
liquidated. Copper is a popular source of collateral for loans in China.
Disruptions to copper mines ran at their lowest level in almost a decade in 2013. This was a key
factor in boosting world mined production by 8 percent to 18 million tons, according to the
International Copper Study Group. While improved maintenance schedules and better planning
played a large part in reducing outages, losses because of strikes, particularly in Chile, were also
reduced.
On the demand side, investment by China‘s grid companies has risen sharply in the first two months
of the year, helping to disband some of the doubts over copper demand in China.
―China‘s grid companies invested a total of Rmb40bn in the first two months of 2014, an increase of
22 per cent year-on-year,‖ said Barclays. ―This growth was achieved despite a high base; in
January-February 2013, investment rose 44 per cent from a soft 2012. Other indicators were also
healthy; grid companies added 11 per cent more transmission lines in the same time period and 61
per cent more transforming capacity,‖ the bank added.
Aurubis, Europe‘s biggest copper smelter, was reported on Monday as saying the recent slump in
copper prices had generated more demand in Europe for its products.
Source: Financial Times
POLLUTION KILLED 7 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE IN 2012, REPORT FINDS
From taxi tailpipes in Paris to coal-fired stoves in Ulaanbaatar, air pollution claimed 7 million lives
around the world in 2012, according to figures released Tuesday by the World Health Organization
(WHO). More than one-third of those deaths occurred in fast-developing nations of Asia such as
Mongolia, where rates of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease have been soaring.
―The big news is that we have a better understanding of how large a role air pollution plays in
strokes and coronary heart attacks,‖ said Carlos Dora, coordinator of public health and the
environment at WHO. ―Given the astronomical costs, countries need to find a way to prevent these
noncommunicable diseases.‖
Breakneck urbanization in the developing nations of Asia, especially China, is a major force
contributing to the air pollution problem. The WHO report, released in Geneva, coincided on
Tuesday with the publication of a World Bank study in Beijing concerning China‘s drive to urbanize.
The study, issued with the Development Research Center of China‘s State Council, argued that
many of the country‘s cities had been allowed to sprawl wastefully and called for better-planned,
denser cities instead. The bank estimated that China will spend USD 5.3 trillion on urban
infrastructure over the next 15 years, as it plans to move 100 million farmers to cities and to better
integrate another 100 million who already live in urban areas but lack full access to schools and
hospitals. The study said the Chinese government could save USD 1.4 trillion of that cost—or about
15 percent of the country‘s total economic output last year—by planning its cities more rationally.
In China, a big culprit for pollution is coal, which supplies two-thirds of the country‘s energy. A
study published last year in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences estimated that people
in northern China, where the air pollution is worst, lived an average of five fewer years than those
in the south. Alarmed by the worsening smog and the rising discontent among urban residents,
Chinese leaders have taken note, promising to reduce reliance on coal and introduce cleaner-
burning motor fuels and more energy-efficient construction methods.
Source: New York Times
GUESSING CHINA'S PLANS FOR GROWTH
Another disappointing economic start for Mongolia's top trade partner this year has investors looking
to Beijing to prime the pump.
HSBC's preliminary manufacturing purchasing managers index fell to 48.1 in March from 48.5 in
February. It is the first reading since the distorting effects of the Lunar New Year and confirms
what many have been denying: China is in slowdown mode again. This is the third year in a row that
the economy has stumbled out of the gate. Each time the government quietly initiates a stimulus
that only becomes fully apparent several months down the road. By year's end, the economy hits
the growth target, albeit at the expense of efforts to reduce the economy's addiction to debt and
infrastructure spending.
It's an object lesson in China's inscrutability that analysts differ wildly on exactly what Beijing might
do. Some say a stimulus is not even needed, given that job creation, a key ingredient in the
Communist Party's survival, is holding up. Others see a stimulus program that is already well under
way. Low interbank interest rates suggest the central bank is allowing liquidity to accumulate. The
recent fall in the yuan provides relief to exporters, while construction projects get a green light.
The question is whether this year Beijing can perform the same tricks. It has left itself room to
again fall back on debt-driven growth, setting the money-supply growth target at 13 percent,
aggressive given that nominal gross-domestic-product growth has fallen below 10 percent the past
two years. Yet debt is like alcohol, in that the more often one drinks, the more servings it takes to
get drunk. Credit efficiency, or the jolt an economy gets per yuan of debt, has fallen substantially
since 2008, according to Nomura calculations. Companies are borrowing more to repay existing
loans, rather than generating new economic activity.
That will keep bankers busy, but it's unclear if it will help everyone else.
Source: Wall Street Journal
YUAN'S DECLINE RAISES CONCERNS OVER CURRENCY WAR
The recent sharp decline in the Chinese currency is threatening to exacerbate China's trade tensions
with the United States and raising concerns over a potential currency war in Asia. Mongolia is also
using yuan currency swaps to bolster its own currency—last week the Bank of Mongolia announced it
would double its currency swap line with China.
China's central bank has intervened since late February to drive down the value of the yuan against
the U.S. dollar by 2.8 percent so far in 2014, almost erasing all of its gains last year and ushering in
a rare period of weakness for a currency which has steadily appreciated over the past decade. The
People's Bank of China argues the depreciation is needed to drive out speculators who were betting
the yuan would continue to rise, according to people with direct knowledge of the central bank's
thinking. Bank officials also contend China's move to allow market forces to play a greater role in
setting the yuan's value has exacerbated the weakness.
Still, officials and politicians in the United States and other Asian nations believe China is
intentionally keeping the yuan below its true market value to give exporters an edge over
competitors in overseas markets. And a persistent drop in the yuan also risks igniting a race among
Asian countries to devalue their currencies.
To be sure, China's trade surplus has narrowed sharply in the past few years, as policy makers tilt
the economy to rely more on consumption and less on exports. And many expect the yuan to
continue its upward climb later this year, fueled by capital inflows. Some observers, though, say
the decline shows China still views export competitiveness as important. Sherrod Brown, a U.S.
Democratic senator and a member of the Senate Finance Committee, on Thursday called on
Congress to pass a law to sanction China. "As the Chinese government continues to push down the
value of the yuan, the urgency for passing our bipartisan bill addressing currency manipulation
rises," Brown said.
Source: Wall Street Journal
POLITICS
PARLIAMENT ADJUSTS TIMETABLE FOR SPRING SESSION
Parliament Speaker Zandaakhuu Enkhbold on Monday issued a decree to reschedule the time for
Parliament to meet during the spring session. Parliament sessions are now scheduled to convene
every Thursday and Friday at 09:00 and at 14:00, beginning 7 April.
Source: Montsame
NEW STATE-OWNED COMPANY REPLACES MINISTRIES' CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENTS
Mongolia has dissolved the construction management departments within ministries to be replaced
with the state-owned Construction Development Center.
The new agency is responsible for construction projects to be funded by the state for the Ministry of
Education and Science, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism. The agency
will be responsible for establishing regulations for construction as well as policies and standards. It
will also be the office responsible for receiving blueprints for state-funded construction projects.
Source: Unuudur
FORMER PREMIER SUBMITS BILL ON TRADE REGULATIONS
A group of Parliament members have submitted a bill for the regulation of trade in Mongolia.
Former Prime Minister and sitting member of Sukhbaatar Batbold as well as parliamentarians D.
Demberel, Ya. Sodbaatar and J. Enkhbayar said that a lack of information about the commercial
sector was a cause for problems in crafting efficient policy. They proposed that the country
consolidate registration and information on trade to create a database for policy decision making.
The bill comprises 29 clauses, with 9 articles that would regulate domestic and external trade, they
said.
Source: Montsame
ROADS MINISTER SUBMITS DRAFT RESOLUTION FOR ROADS POLICY
Minister of Road and Transportation A. Gansukh Tuesday submitted to Parliament Speaker Z.
Enkhbold a draft resolution for state policy on roads and transportation.
"By having adopted this policy document, I want to deal with such problems and to change
standards of auto road transportation services,‖ said Gansukh.
Gansukh said that Mongolia faces many challenges for its road sector. For example, the unregulated
transport of goods has triggered a black market that has contributed to a number of road accidents
because of poorly prepared drivers. The draft resolution would regulate safety for the transport of
passengers and freight, he said.
Source: Montsame
BLAIR MEETS WITH ALTANKHUYAG FOR PRIVATE TALKS
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair met with Prime Minister Norov Altankhuyag for private
talks during a visit to Mongolia last week.
In addition to his meeting with the premier, Blair met with members of the opposition Mongolian
People`s Party (MPP).
During his last visit to Mongolia, Blair said he would work with the Mongolian government to help
bring in its intended reforms and offered technical assistance to the Cabinet Secretariat in the form
of his ―delivery unit‖ concept. Blair's visits to Mongolia both last year and this year coincided with
the Kazakh Holiday of Nauriz.
Source: News.mn
AUSTRALIAN, MONGOLIAN GOVERNMENTS ANNOUNCE MONGOLIAN MINING PARTNERSHIP
Australia and Mongolia's governments have announced a new five-year program focused on the
sustainable development of mining in Mongolia.
The USD 20 million program, dubbed The Australia-Mongolia Extractives Program, will use Australian
mining expertise to spread the benefits of the industry across the nation's population. Commenting
on the new partnership, Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop said "releasing Mongolia's fledgling
mining industry from a failed mining tax has greatly benefited the economy.‖
"Australia is pledging to support the Mongolian government with financial assistance and expertise
that will improve governance in the mining sector, opening their economy up to international
investment and development opportunities,‖ she said. "The program will also improve access to
technical and vocational education and training in disadvantaged communities in Mongolia, so they
are better equipped to gain employment in the mining industry."
This is not the first time the Australian government has strengthened its mining ties with Mongolia
via the mining industry. In 2011 former Prime Minister Julie Gillard welcomed Mongolian Prime
Minister Sukhbaatar Batbold to the country. At the time Batbold noted the increased interest of the
Australian mining industry and its involvement in the nation, in particular its provision of expertise
in geological, drilling, mining software, environmental management, financial, legal and training
sectors to develop Mongolia‘s minerals and energy sector. The two heads of state participated in a
number of memorandums to expand Australia‘s mining presence in the country, in particular a
memorandum of understanding on vocational education cooperation designed at helping Mongolia
build its mining work force. They also signed a memorandum of understanding between the
Australian Academy of Science and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences to promote the exchange of
ideas and the review of studies in common interest areas, such as geology.
Source: Ferret.com
CHINA, MONGOLIA VOW TO CEMENT PARTY-TO-PARTY EXCHANGES
A senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Liu Yunshan, vowed on Thursday to beef up
party-to-party exchanges with Mongolia.
Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee,
made the pledge during his meeting with a Mongolian delegation led by Chairman Miegombyn
Enkhbold of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP), also vice chairman of Mongolian Parliament. Liu
said China expected to strengthen political trust with Mongolia, facilitate exchanges between ruling
parties, governments and parliaments, and enhance cooperation in such areas as mineral resources
and infrastructure building. He said China was committed to deepening reforms, in order to push
forward greater development of the country, improve people's livelihood and contribute to world
peace and development.
Enkhbold said he was happy to be visiting China at a time of the 65th anniversary of Mongolia-China
diplomatic ties. He said he had witnessed China's development achievements during his visit, which
will also take him to south China's Guangdong Province. He hopes to further boost party-to-party
exchanges and pragmatic cooperation between both countries through his visit.
Enkhbold is visiting China from 17 to 21 March at the invitation of the International Department of
the CPC Central Committee.
Source: Xinhua
PARLIAMENTARY OFFICES OF MONGOLIA AND LAOS TO COOPERATE
Representatives of Mongolian Parliament and the Laotian National Assembly signed a memorandum
of cooperation for inter-parliamentary cooperation.
B. Boldbaatar, the secretary-general of the Parliamentary Office of Mongolia, and his Laotian
counterpart Ungeev Vutila signed the agreement where each country's parliament agrees to
collaborate at bilateral meetings during forums of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and other
international and regional meetings. Mongolia and Laos have also agreed to exchange delegates to
allow members to participate in experience sharing on the functions of each legislative body and
their bill drafting processes.
Source: Montsame
KUWAITI AMBASSADOR VISITS BAYAN-OLGII PROVINCE IN MONGOLIA
Kuwait's Ambassador to Mongolia Khaled Al-Fadhli made an official visit to Bayan-Ulgii Aimag last
week on Thursday.
The visit was in response to an invitation by the province's Governor Kh. Darmen to attend the
Nowruz festivities, set to kick off on Friday. Upon his arrival, Ambassador Al-Fadhli was received by
Governor Darmen, president of the Citizens' Representative Council at the province, a number of
Islamic society representatives, and Islamic school students. Afterwards, the Kuwaiti diplomat held
an official meeting with the province's governor and leaderships, during which they conveyed their
great appreciation to Kuwait's major support and aid to Mongolia and Bayan-Olgii province, lauding
at the same time assistance from the Kuwaiti public, as well as Kuwaiti philanthropic societies in
building and restoring the province's mosques.
Ambassador Al-Fadhli expressed his delight at attending the celebrations for what it represents of
historic legacy and significance, expressing also his pride in being the first Arab ambassador to visit
the province. Furthermore, he pointed out his aspiration to boost bilateral relations between
Kuwait and Mongolia.
Source: Kuwaiti News Agency
ALBANIA, MONGOLIA TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONS
Albania and Mongolian representatives signed a memorandum of understanding for strengthened
relations, reported the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA).
Albanian Deputy Foreign Minister Sokol Dervishaj held a meeting with Mongolian Deputy Foreign
Ministry Damba Gankhuyag during his visit to observe the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations
between the two countries. Dervishaj briefed Gankhuyag on Albania's achievements, Albanian
government priorities and the country's active role in the region, said ATA. Gankhuyag confirmed
his readiness to promote cooperation between their two countries by improving the legal framework
for cooperation between Albania and Mongolia.
Source: Shanghai Daily
MINISTRY EXTENDS NGO MANAGEMENT AT KHUSTAI
Khustai National Park Trust managing board chief N. Enkhbold and Environment and Green
Development Minister Sanjaasuren Oyun Monday signed an agreement to extend the park's term of
management for another 10 years.
The park is mostly known as the location where the Takhi, also known as Przewalski‘s horse, were
released. After the government declared Khustai National Park a specially protected area in 1993,
the park was managed by the Mongolian Association for the Conservation of Nature and the
Environment from 1992 to 2003. Afterward, the Khustai National Park Trust took control.
Khustai extends through the Khentii Mountains and includes the western edge of the Mongolian
steppe, at the boundaries of Altanbulag, Argalant and Bayankhangai Soums of Tov Aimag. The park
is about 100 kilometers west from Ulaanbaatar and covers 50,600 hectares. The grounds are home
to 459 species of vascular plants, 85 species of lichens, 90 species of moss and 33 species of
mushrooms. It is also where 44 species of mammals have been spotted, including Red deer,
Mongolian gazelle, Roe deer, Wild boar, Wild sheep, Ibex, Mongolian marmots, Grey wolves, Lynx,
Pallas cat, Red fox, Corsac fox and the Eurasian badger. It is also home to 217 species of birds,
including the Golden eagle, Lammergeier, Great bustard, Whooper swan, Black stork, Daurian
partridge and Little owl; 16 species of fish; 2 species of amphibians; and 385 species of insects.
Source: Montsame
ALLENS REVIEWS REGULATIONS FOR INVESTMENT AGREEMENTS UNDER INVESTMENT LAW
On 21 October 2013, the Source reported on the introduction of Mongolia's new Investment Law,
which regulates foreign investment in Mongolia. The law's introduction was seen by many as an
indication of the government's desire to re-establish Mongolia's status as an attractive investment
destination. The Law was enacted after a period of uncertainty attributable to earlier legislative
reforms and proposals that were not generally regarded as supportive of foreign investment.
Following the law's introduction, key Mongolian political leaders, including the president of
Mongolia, have actively sought to attract renewed investor interest in Mongolia through several
high-profile visits to Hong Kong, London and New York.
The Investment Law provides that for large investments of more than MNT 500 billion (USD 284
million), if requested by an investor, the government may enter into an investment agreement to
stabilize the environment in which the investor will be carrying out its operations. The government
has recently passed the regulations in order to govern the process of entering into an investment
agreement under the Law.
The regulations do not apply to agreements for certain agreements. Agreements concerning nuclear
energy are relegated to the Nuclear Energy Law, deposit development agreements to the Minerals
Law, and production-sharing agreements to the Law on Petroleum. Accordingly, these agreements
will continue to be subject to the provisions contained in the applicable legislation.
The regulations set out the process of applying for, negotiating and executing an investment
agreement. The regulations also describe the content of an investment agreement and how it will
be monitored once it is signed.
Click here for the full report.
Source: Allens
MONGOLIAN KAKURYU PROMOTED TO YOKOZUNA, SUMO‟S HIGHEST RANK
Kakuryu of Mongolia was promoted to yokozuna on Wednesday, becoming the sixth foreign-born
wrestler to reach sumo‘s highest rank.
The 28-year-old Kakuryu won the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament with a 14-1 record en route to his
second career title and was unanimously voted to become the 71st grand champion. Kakuryu, whose
real name is Mangaljalav Anand, joins fellow Mongolians Hakuho and Harumafuji as the three
wrestlers at the top rank. Sumo has not had a Japanese grand champion since Takanohana retired in
2003.
Kakuryu becomes the fourth Mongolian to reach yokozuna. Asashoryu, who retired in 2010, was the
first.
Source: Washington Post
MALAYSIA PREMIER RELEASES STATEMENT ON FATE OF MH370
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak made the following statement on Monday in a news
conference, in which he said that new data showed that Flight MH370 ended in the southern Indian
Ocean. At least two of the passengers on the plane were en route to Mongolia.
―This evening I was briefed by representatives from the U.K. Air Accidents Investigative Branch
(AAIB). They informed me that Inmarsat, the U.K. company that provided the satellite data which
indicated the northern and southern corridors, has been performing further calculations on the
data. Using a type of analysis never before used in investigation of this sort, they have been able to
shed more light on MH370′s flight path.
―Based on their new analysis, Inmarsat and the AAIB have concluded that MH370 flew along the
southern corridor, and that its last position was in the middle of the Indian Ocean, west of Perth.
This is a remote location, far from any possible landing sites. It is therefore with deep sadness and
regret that I must inform you that, according to this new data, flight MH370 ended in the southern
Indian Ocean.‖
Source: Wall Street Journal
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DELOITTE LAUNCHES CFO PROGRAM IN MONGOLIA
Deloitte Onch is launching its CFO program in Mongolia with the first CFO roundtable on 2 April.
The Deloitte CFO program will feature a series of roundtable events to offer the opportunity for
CFOs in Mongolia to network, share insights, best practices and discuss timely issues facing the CFOs
of today. Deloitte launched its CFO program worldwide in 2008 and today it is active in more than
30 countries. The program is a CFO-centric initiative that includes a series of events and discussions
on leadership. Today‘s CFOs are expected to step up to act as strategic advisor to CEOs. Therefore,
the roundtable will focus on how CFOs can share their best practices to become catalysts and
strategists rather than traditional stewards or operators.
For more information email E. Enkhsanaa at eerdeneochir@deloitte.com
___________________________________________
MINEINFO'S MONGOLIA ORIENTATION CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT COURSE, 10 APRIL
MineInfo is hosting the Mongolia Orientation training 10 April at the Continental Hotel in
Ulaanbaatar.
Once again, Mongolia has become an attractive destination for foreign investors. It is important to
give foreigners a correct understanding about Mongolia, the Mongolian people, culture and
traditions. The Orientation Training will provide foreigners and expats living and working in
Mongolia with a full range of information about the country and its people, with the aim to ensure
an easier and softer adaptation to a new and completely different environment.
The training is delivered by renowned researchers and lecturers from the Mongolian universities,
organized in a comfortable and luxury environment.
The cost is MNT 940,000 per student. A 5% discount will be given to BCM members to register. For
more information call 99053285 or 99098223.
___________________________________________
BCM MEMBERS RECEIVE 15% DISCOUNT FOR OIL AND OIL SHALE MONGOLIA, 9-10 APRIL
The Oil and Oil Shale Mongolia 2014 international investment conference, hosted by the Petroleum
Authority of Mongolia, will be held in Ulaanbaatar from 9 to 10 April 2014.
The event will be attended by international investors, oil, gas, and oil shale companies, service
providers, consultancies, equipment suppliers, and traders.
Delegates will have a unique opportunity to network with industry's key contacts at the country's
first international investment conference on oil, gas, and oil shale. They will have the opportunity
to obtain vital information on legislation and policies on oil, gas, and oil shale exploration and
production regulations from the officials of the Ministry of Mining and Petroleum Authority of
Mongolia. Moreover, projects on oil refinery, exploration, production, plus oil shale projects will be
presented.
BCM members will receive an exclusive 15 percent discount. For more information call +976 9909-
1765 or 9910-5877, email info@oilmongolia.com or logon to OilMongolia.com.
___________________________________________
MONGOLIA INVESTMENT SUMMIT, LONDON, 29 APRIL-2 MAY
The second annual Mongolia Investment Summit in London will be 29 April to 2 May.
An additional post-summit workshop will be held, giving participants four whole days of
presentations, discussions, panels and networking opportunities. Keynote speakers include Ochirbat
Chuluunbat, vice minister for economic development, Dorjpurev Dulamsuren, vice minister for
energy, and Clemente Cappello, chief investment officer at Sturgeon Capital
BCM members can take advantage of a special 25 percent discount by using the offer code
UL912BCM when registering. Register online at mongoliainvestmentsummit.com/London, call +44
(0) 207 216 6056, or email cs@resourcefulevents.com
___________________________________________
GTR‟S 3RD ANNUAL MONGOLIA TRADE & COMMODITY FINANCE CONFERENCE, BLUE SKY HOTEL,
13 MAY
GTR announces that the Mongolia Trade & Commodity Finance Conference will return to
Ulaanbaatar on May 13, 2014 for the third edition of this annual series.
The Mongolia Trade & Commodity Finance Conference is the only event of its kind. Building on the
success of the 2013 conference, which welcomed 175 delegates from 13 different countries, the
2014 event will once again provide an unrivaled platform for discussion and debate with the
region‘s leading local businesses and trade finance practitioners.
With its focus on Mongolia‘s mining, minerals and vast commodity-led growth, this will be the key
trade gathering for the country‘s senior business leaders, providing timely insight on the challenges
facing the local banking and private sectors, as well as offering perspectives from the industry‘s key
supporting actors.
BCM members will receive a 10% discount at registration. Please contact saruul@bcmongolia.org to
get a special discount code. Click here to register, or visit exportagroup.com for more information.
___________________________________________
PPP HANDBOOK FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE STAKEHOLDERS LAUNCHED
Mongolia‘s Ministry of Economic Development launched the PPP manual on 19 February 2014.
Prepared with ADB support, the manual guides public and private stakeholders in the preparation of
PPPs. ADB Principal PPP Specialist, Craig Sugden, stressed that Mongolian PPP environment has
three strengths now: the Concession Law, the PPP implementing unit, and the handbook. In
addition, the first in a series of Public Private Partnership Stakeholders Consultative Meetings to be
organized quarterly by MOED was held on 21 Feb in Best Western Tuushin Hotel. Contact Innovation
and PPP Department, MOED, Tel: 264726 for the manual.
ADB has supported Mongolia‘s PPP work since 2009 and was appointed as the mandated advisor to
the PPP for Combined Heat and Power Plant 5.
___________________________________________
“MM TODAY” ON MNB-TV, FRIDAY, 19:00 TO 19:10
BCM is pleased to announce that Mongolian National Broadcasting continues its cooperation with
BCM on ―MM Today‖. This English news program is aired every Friday for 10 minutes and is
scheduled from 19:00 to 19:10 tonight. Tune in to watch this program that reports stories from
today‘s BCM NewsWire.
BCM WORKING GROUP NEWS
The joint BCM Education Working Group–VETP Education Working Group met on Tuesday, March 25,
with 30 members attending.
Saha Meyanathan/DAS/and Kern Von Hagen /OT/ moderated the session.
New Member: Olga Khardaeva, PwC was welcomed.
Speakers and topics were:
Update on TVET and Higher Education:
-Update on TVET (Mr. Saha Meyanathan, BCM Education WG co-chair; Mr. Luke Raffin.
-Update on Higher Education (Ms. Nasanbayar, MoE)
-PWC Academy (Ms. Olga Khardaeva, PwC)
-Newsletter 1/2014 and Website/Database (Mr. Pascal Hobin, GIZ)
The newly formed BCM Logistics Working Group‘s first meeting will he held 8 April at 4 PM at
Express Tower, 12th floor, in the Business Plus Initiative meeting room /BPI/. Express Tower is
located just west of the Central Post Office. Members with interest can still contact Erdenetsetseg
at erka@bcmongolia.org to join this WG or for more information. We welcome the registered
members of the Logistics Working Group to our first meeting.
BCM WEBSITES
MONGOLIAN WEBSITE „PRESENTATIONS‟ AND „NEWS‟ SECTIONS
The ‗Presentations‘ section on BCM‘s Mongolian website can be reached via bcm.mn/itgeluud.
As a key component of BCM‘s Mongolian website, articles from the ‗News‘ section and the
government website Open-Government.mn are regularly updated.
• ―Anti-Corruption legislation and State Policy‖ (Mongolian) by D. Munkhjargal, Prevention and
Public Awareness Department, Senior Commissioner, Independent Authority Against Corruption
(IAAC) Mongolia at the ―ANTI-CORRUPTION LEGISLATION/POLICY, INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICE
ON TRANSPARENCY‖ Training seminar, Mar 06, 2014
The presentation below was made at Mongolian National University as part of the ―BCM in the
University Classroom series‖ on February 27, 2014:
• Ser-Od Inchinkhorloo, Vice Director, BCM, ―Investment environment: Past, Present, Future‖
(Mongolian)
The presentation below is from the February 24 BCM monthly meeting:
• О. Зоригт, Гүйцэтгэх захирал, Майн Инфо "Майн Инфо ХХК-ний товч танилцуулга", МБЗ-ийн 2
сарын 24-ний сарын хурал
Dr. Khashchuluun, Executive Director, National Council of Private Sector Support, ―Taxation Impact
Research‖ to BCM Tax Working Group, February 19, 2014
• ТАТВАРЫН БАГЦ ХУУЛИЙН ӨӨРЧЛӨЛТ: ХУВИЙН ХЭВШИЛД, Ч. Хашчулуун, Хувийн хэвшлийг
дэмжих үндэсний зөвлөлийн гүйцэтгэх захирал 2014.02.19
20 Presentations from Coal Mongolia, 20-21 February, 2014:
• Уул уурхайн сайд Д. Ганхуяг, Төрөөс Эрдэс Баялгийн Салбарт Баримтлах Бодлого, Нүүрсний
Салбарыг Хөгжүүлэх Стратегийн Чиг Хандлага, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• Сангийн сайд Ч.Улаан, МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН САНГИЙН ЯАМ, Улсын төсөвт нүүрсний салбарын
үзүүлэх нөлөө, татварын орчин шинэчлэл, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• Монгол орны нүүрсний салбар дахь байгаль орчны асуудал, Байгаль орчин, ногоон хөгжлийн
яам, ХБОБНГ-ын дарга Д.Энхбат Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• НҮҮРСНИЙ АЖ ҮЙЛДВЭРЛЭЛИЙГ ХӨГЖҮҮЛЭХ ТЭЭВЭР ЛОЖИСТИКИЙН АСУУДЛУУД:
Л.ПҮРЭВБААТАР ТӨМӨР ЗАМЫН ИНЖЕНЕРҮҮДИЙН ХОЛБООНЫ ЕРӨНХИЙЛӨГЧ, ―УУЛ УУРХАЙН
БҮТЭЭГДЭХҮҮНИЙ ТЭЭВЭРЛЭЛТ‖ Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН НҮҮРСНИЙ САЛБАР ДАХЬ ХӨРӨНГӨ ОРУУЛАЛТ, ХУДАЛДААНЫ ТААТАЙ ОРЧИН
БҮРДҮҮЛЭХ НЬ,ЭДИЙН ЗАСГИЙН ХӨГЖЛИЙН ДЭД САЙД О.ЧУЛУУНБАТ Коал Монголиа 2014, 2
сарын 20-21.
• Уул уурхайн дэд сайд О. Эрдэнэбулган, Олон улсын нүүрсний зах зээл дэх Монгол улсын
өрсөлдөх чадварыг нэмэгдүүлэхэд төрийн оролцоо Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• Ж. Батцэнгэл, Монголын Уул Уурхайн Корпорацийн дарга, МОНГОЛЫН НҮҮРСНИЙ САЛБАРЫН
ӨНӨӨГИЙН НӨХЦӨЛ БАЙДАЛ, Тулгарч буй бэрхшээл ба шийдэх боломж Коал Монголиа 2014, 2
сарын 20-21.
• Аршад Саеид, Пийбоди Энержи компанийн Монгол ба Энэтхэг улсыг хариуцсан Ерөнхийлөгч,
Дэлхийн нүүрсний зах зээл, Монгол улсад үзүүлэх нөлөөлөл, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-
21.
• МОЗА гүйцэтгэх захирал Ч. Хашчулуун, Занарын дэлхийн хувьсгал ба Монголын эдийн засагт
үр нөлөө, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• Багануур Энержи Корпорэйшн ХХК, Нүүрс хийжүүлэх, шингэрүүлэх цогцолбор парк төслийн
товч танилцуулга, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• АДУУНЧУЛУУНЫ ЦАХИЛГААН СТАНЦ, БЕНЗИНИЙ ҮЙЛДВЭРИЙН ТӨСӨЛ, Ж.Золжаргал –
Төслийн удирдагч, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• Ц.Ганцог, Жени Ойл Шэйл Монголиа ХХК Гүйцэтгэх захирал, ШАТДАГ ЗАНАРЫГ АШИГЛАХ
БОЛОМЖ, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• Фэн Вэй эрчим хүчний зөвлөгөө өгөх компани, 2014 оны хятадын нүүрсний зах зээлийн
шинжилгээ болон үнийн таамаглал, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• Я. Батсуурь, Эрдэнэс Таван Толгой ХК, Танилцуулга, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• Хишиг Арвин Индустриал ХХК, ҮНДЭСНИЙ КОМПАНИУДЫН ТӨЛӨВШИЛ, ӨРСӨЛДӨХ ЧАДВАР,
Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• Виртген Групп, МОНГОЛЫН НҮҮРСНИЙ ЗАХ ЗЭЭЛ ДЭХ WIRTGEN БРЭНДИЙН SURFACE MINER
БУЮУ АНГИЛАН ОЛБОРЛОГЧИЙН ТЕХНОЛОГИ БОЛОН АШИГЛАХ БОЛОМЖУУД, Коал Монголиа
2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• ―Тавантолгой‖ ХК-ийн Гүйцэтгэх захирал Р.Сэддорж, Дэвшилтэт технологи ба инновацийг
нутагшуулах нь, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• ―УУЛ УУРХАЙН ДЭД БҮТЦИЙН ХӨРӨНГӨ ОРУУЛАЛТЫГ ДЭМЖИХ ТӨСӨЛ‖ Төслийн Зохицуулагч
Б.Энхбаатар,Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• ДЭД САЙД Д.ДОРЖПҮРЭВ, Эрчим Хүчний Яам, 2014 ОНД ЭРЧИМ ХҮЧНИЙ САЛБАРЫН
ХИЙГДЭХЭЭР ТӨЛӨВЛӨСӨН АЖЛУУД БОЛОН ТӨРӨӨС БАРИМТАЛЖ БУЙ БОДЛОГО, Коал
Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
• Ай Эм Си Монтан Компани, Нүүрс баяжуулах талаар, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21.
The below presentation is from the January 27 BCM monthly meeting:
• ОЙ ХАМГААЛАЛД СУУРИЛСАН БИЗНЕС, Цэсэдийн БАНЗРАГЧ /Ph.D/, БОНЯ- ны ОЙ
ХАМГААЛАЛ, ОЙЖУУЛАЛТЫГ ЗОХИЦУУЛАХ ХЭЛТЭСИЙН ДАРГА, МБЗ-ийн 1 сарын 27-ны
гишүүдийн сарын хурал дээр
___________________________________________
ENGLISH WEBSITE: 'PRESENTATIONS', 'MONGOLIA REPORTS', „INTERVIEWS„, MONGOLIAN
BUSINESS NEWS‟, „PHOTO GALLERY‟
• ―Public-Private Partnership in Mongolia: Now and Future Prospects‖, E. Enerelt, Investment
Officer, ADB and Ts. Batbayar, Director of Concession Division, Ministry of Economic Development
at BCM monthly meeting, March 24, 2014;
• ―Areva in Mongolia: 15 years of presence – New perspectives in uranium mining‖, Thierry Plaisant,
General Director, Areva Mongol at BCM monthly meeting, March 24, 2014;
•―Impact of Corruption in Mongolia‖ by L. Sumati, Director of Sant Maral Foundation at the ―ANTI-
CORRUPTION LEGISLATION/POLICY, INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICE ON TRANSPARENCY‖ Training
seminar, Mar 06, 2014;
•―Anglo American Business Integrity policy and its application within the Business Globally‖ , Dr.
Graeme Hancock, President and Chief Representative Mongolia of Anglo American at the ―ANTI-
CORRUPTION LEGISLATION/POLICY, INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICE ON TRANSPARENCY‖ Training
seminar, Mar 06, 2014;
•Change of the package of taxation laws: private sector, Dr. Ch. Khashchuluun, Executive Director,
National Council for Private Sector Support, at the BCM`s Tax working group's meeting Feb 19,
2014;
•Economic and Capital Markets Update, Nick Cousyn, Chief Operating Officer, BDSec at the BCM
Monthly Meeting, Feb 24, 2014
15 Presentations at Coal Mongolia, February 20-21:
•Impact of Coal Sector on Government's Budget and the Taxation Regime , Ch. Ulaan, Minister of
Finance, MINISTRY OF FINANCE OF MONGOLIA
•Environmental issues in Mongolian coal mining sector, D.Enkhbat Ministry of Environment and
Green Development, Head of Environment and Natural Resources Department
•COAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS ISSUES: PRESENTATION TOPIC:
TRANSPORTATION OF THE MINING PRODUCT" Purevbaatar Luvsandagva, Head, Association of Railway
Engineering of Mongolia
•INVESTMENT INTO MONGOLIAN COAL MINING SECTOR AND CREATING AN ATTRACTIVE ENVIRONMENT
FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE, VICE MINISTER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, O. Chuluunbat, Vice
Minister, Ministry of Economic Development
•Government Involvement and Support to Enhance the Mongolian Competitiveness in Coal Sector,
O. Erdenebulgan, Vice Minister of Mining
•MONGOLIAN COAL INDUSTRY, Overcoming challenges in volatile market conditions, G.Battsengel,
Director, Mongolian Mining Corporation
•Global Coal Markets and Implications for Mongolia , Arshad Sayed, President of Mongolia & India,
Peabody Energy
• Introduction of CTL Plant Project, T. Munkhtur, Baganuur Energy Corporation
• ADUUNCHULUUN POWER AND CTL PROJECT, J.Zoljargal, Project Manager, MAK
• OIL SHALE OPPORTUNITIES IN MONGOLIA, Ts.Gantsog, Executive Director, Genie Oil Shale
Mongolia
• China Coal Market Lookout 2014, Fenwei Energy Consulting
• Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC, Y. Batsuuri, CEO
• WIRTGEN SURFACE MINING TECHNOLOGY AND CHALLENGES IN COAL IN MONGOLIA by Wirtgen
Group
• "MINING INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT SUPPORT PROJECT", Project Coordinator, B. Enkhbaatar at
the Coal Mongolia 2014, Feb 20-21.
• Coal Processing by IMC Montan.
The following presentations are from the January 27 BCM monthly meeting:
- "The year 2014 starts with new IPO on the Mongolian Stock Exchange", Richard Kobayashi, CEO,
Standard Investment LLC
- "IMA Consultancy Services for Investors and Account Manager's Role", D. Irmuun, Director of
Division for Promotion and Consultancy Services, Invest Mongolia Agency
The following have been added to Interview Section:
• Jim Dwyer, Executive Director, BCM: ―Minerals Policy‖;
• D. Bayasgalan, Director of Golomt Bank: ―Golomt has no problem‖;
• From the Oxford Business Group, Mongolia Reports 2013 book;
• B. Byambasaikhan, Chairman, BCM: ―Talk is cheap‖;
• President Ts. Elbegdorj: ―Diversifying for growth‖;
• Jim Dwyer, Executive Director, BCM: ―Non-mining sectors budding‖;
• Peter Morrow, Chairman, American University of Mongolia: ―Filling in the blanks‖;
• N. Zoljargal, Governor, Bank of Mongolia: ―Sustainable vision‖;
• Gansukh, Minister of Roads and Transportation: ―Accessing new markets‖;
• J. Od, President, MCS Group: ―Building interest‖.
BCM's English website includes the ―Mongolia Business News‖ section.
Mongolia Reports section:
• 2014 Article IV staff report for Mongolia by International Monetary Fund;
• BCM comments on draft Amendments to the Minerals Law made to Mr. D. Gankhuyag, the Minister
of Mining, February, 2014;
• BCM Open Letter to Parliament and Government is available for download.
BCM continuously posts news stories and analysis of relevance to Mongolia at ‗Mongolian Business
News‖ before they are all put together each week for Friday's weekly NewsWire.
The ―Photo Gallery‖ contains photos from the 6th Anniversary BCM Renewal dinner on November
11, 2013.
BCM Football Cup 2013 pictures are posted to the website - http://bcmongolia.org/en/photos/350-
en/album?albumid=200
The BCM NewsWire will continue to be issued each Friday, incorporating items already on the home
page for a consolidated account of the week‘s events.
SOCIAL NETWORK WITH BCM
BCM LAUNCHES NEW LINKED-IN COMPANY PAGE
The Business Council of Mongolia has launched a new company page on the social networking
website LinkedIn to network its members and followers including small-medium enterprises (SMEs).
The new page will allow BCM to alert followers to the latest news and information critical to their
businesses. Members‘ businesses will be promoted. Additionally, BCM plans to deliver monthly
infographics on the latest data as well as videos and other media content as they come. The bulk of
the content on the new page will be in Mongolian language to better cater to BCM's Mongolian-
speaking audience and members. The following link can direct you to the new BCM's Linked-in page.
http://www.linkedin.com/company/business-council-of-mongolia?trk=company_logo
The Business Council of Mongolia (BCM) has expanded its reach to your favorite social networks.
Keep up to date on the latest business deals in Mongolia and how the climate for investment is
improving each day with BCM.
Add BCM on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheBusinessCouncilOfMongolia to read the
latest announcements and comment on events carried in the NewsWire with the community.
Hear breaking news and announcements as they happen when you follow BCM on Twitter at
https://twitter.com/bcmongolia.
Social stats:
BCM now has 5,266 fans on our Facebook fans page, 1,620 connections on LinkedIn network,
and 997 followers on Twitter.
Of course for news information, interviews, event photos, and announcements regarding our
organization, visit the official BCM website at http://bcmongolia.org/en/
BCM IN THE UNIVERSITY CLASSROOM NEWS
Business Council of Mongolia (BCM) has been progressing with its BCM in the University Classroom
series since March 2012. Led by BCM‘s Education Working Group, the program provides lectures at
universities to help inspire students and give them direction for their future careers. The series has
grown to include an average of 10 lectures per academic year. Now 1,293 students and teachers
have participated with BCM in the University Classroom Project.
Next BCM in the University Classroom series will be on 8 April at the (IF&E). Mr. Nick Cousyn, COO,
BDSec will speak -- "Update of Mongolian Capital Markets".
ECONOMIC INDICATORS
SUPERMARKET PRICE COMPARISON – MARCH 2014
INFLATION
Year 2006 6.0% [source: National Statistical Office of Mongolia (NSOM)]
Year 2007 *15.1% [source: NSOM]
Year 2008 *22.1% [source: NSOM]
Year 2009 *4.2% [source: NSOM]
Year 2010 *13.0% [source: NSOM]
Year 2011 *10.2% [source: NSOM]
Year 2012 *14.0% [source: NSOM]
Year 2013 *12.5% [source: NSOM]
February 28, 2014 *12.2% [source: NSOM]
*Year-over-year (y-o-y), nationwide
Note: 12.0% y-o-y, Ulaanbaatar city, February 28, 2014
CENTRAL BANK POLICY LOAN RATE
December 31, 2008 9.75% [source: IMF]
March 11, 2009 14.00% [source: IMF]
May 12, 2009 12.75% [source: IMF]
June 12, 2009 11.50% [source: IMF]
September 30, 2009 10.00% [source: IMF]
May 12, 2010 11.00% [source: IMF]
April 28, 2011 11.50% [source: IMF]
August 25, 2011 11.75% [source: IMF]
October 25, 2011 12.25% [source: IMF]
March 19, 2012 12.75% [source: Mongol Bank]
April 18, 2012 13.25% [source: Mongol Bank]
January 25, 2013 12.50% [source: Mongol Bank]
April 8, 2013 11.50% [source: Mongol Bank]
June 25, 2013 10.50% [source: Mongol Bank]
CURRENCY RATES – 27 MARCH 2014
Currency Name Currency Rate
US dollar USD 1,784.28
Euro EUR 2,457.49
Japanese yen JPY 17.48
British pound GBP 2,957.53
Hong Kong dollar HKD 229.99
Chinese Yuan CNY 287.25
Russian Ruble RUB 50.12
South Korean won KRW 1.67
Disclaimer: Except for reporting on BCM‘s activities, all information in the BCM NewsWire is
selected from various news sources. Opinions are those of the respective news sources.

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28.03.2014, NEWSWIRE, Issue 318

  • 1. BUSINESS COUNCIL of MONGOLIA NewsWire www.bcmongolia.org info@bcmongolia.org Issue 318 – March 28, 2014 NEWS HIGHLIGHTS: Business  Rio Tinto faces further setbacks at Oyu Tolgoi;  Rio names Mongolia as 4th largest tax recipient;  SouthGobi warns of debt default; shares tank;  SouthGobi decides against dry coal handling unit;  Centerra Gold prepared to spend up to USD 370 million at Gatsuurt;  Nikken Sekkei Group to design 68-story building in UB business district;  Printer toner factory opens;  Pandrol complains of unfair bidding for new railway project;  Kincora announces completion of USD 4.48 million private placement;  South African official explores cooperation opportunities at Shivee Ovoo;  Imax signs two-theater deal in Mongolia;  Mongolian Railway appoints CEO;  State University of Agriculture to cooperate with Missouri State University;  China-Mongolia Business Council to launch in April;  Khan Bank provides finance lessons for youth;  PetroChina's healthy embrace of market reality;  Sinopec speeds up shale gas development. Economy  Mongolia to spend MNT 1 trillion on industrial production;  Volume of gold sales grows 8-fold y-o-y;  Coal miners lay off workers amid difficult market climate;  New Customs system to launch Tuesday;  Ulaanbaatar to issue MNT 370 billion bond;  New sewage plant for Arkhangai;  Mongolian investors hope good times will roll again;  Mongolia puts ger shantytowns on the map;  Nigel Finch joins effort to strengthen Australia-Mongolia ties;  Australia to grant more scholarships;  NGO staff receives scholarships to mark end of 2-year development program;  Zorig Foundation to launch Young Scholars Program;  EPCRC released 2013 index for competitiveness among provinces;  EU to provide EUR 6.5bn to Mongolia and 11 other Asian nations;  Copper rebounds from recent sell-off;  Pollution killed 7 million people worldwide in 2012, report finds;  Guessing China's plans for growth;  Yuan's decline raises concerns over currency war. Politics  Parliament adjusts timetable for spring session;  New state-owned company replaces ministries' construction departments;  Former premier submits bill on trade regulations;  Roads minister submits draft resolution for Roads Policy;
  • 2.  Blair meets with Altankhuyag for private talks;  Australian, Mongolian governments announce Mongolian mining partnership;  China, Mongolia vow to cement party-to-party exchanges;  Parliamentary Offices of Mongolia and Laos to cooperate;  Kuwaiti ambassador visits Bayan-Ulgii province in Mongolia;  Albania, Mongolia to strengthen relations;  Ministry extends NGO management at Khustai;  Allens reviews regulations for investment agreements under Investment Law;  Mongolian Kakuryu promoted to yokozuna, sumo’s highest rank;  Malaysia premier releases statement on fate of MH370. ECONOMIC INDICATORS  MSE Top 20 Index by market Capitalization;  Foreign-listed Companies with Mongolian Assets;  Supermarket Price Comparison – March 2014;  Inflation;  Central bank policy rate;  Currency rates. *Click on titles above to link to articles. SPONSORS Khan Bank International SOS Invest Mongolia Agency Mongolian Economy Magazine Oxford Business Group
  • 3. BCM MEETING RECAP The BCM meeting on 24 March with Vice Chairman Randolph Koppa in the chair was attended by 110 members and invited guests. Koppa noted that many of those who attended were dividing their time with the day's Mongolian Economic Forum. ―The theme this year is to work for the initiative to move forward to 2040 to develop a strategy and priorities to develop Mongolia among a number of scenarios,‖ he said, referencing the three scenarios presented by the World Economic Forum at the event. Executive Director Jim Dwyer reported on the happenings at BCM's working groups, including what looks to be imminent additional comments from the Legislative Working Group on the new draft of Amendments to the Minerals Law possibly soon after the opening of the spring session of Parliament on April and the appointment of Khulan, Tax Manager at Oyu Tolgoi LLC, as co-chair of the Tax Working Group. Khulan is replacing Arthur Cookson who is stepping down to focus on his work with Rio Tinto PLC. Dwyer also reported on a meeting of the Capital Markets Working Group, where Mongolia Growth Group's new chief executive officer, Paul Byrne, spoke on the new directions of his company. The CEO of Wolf Petroleum Ltd. also presented that evening to provide an overview on the oil explorer's activities. Also during the evening, BCM Chairman Bayanjargal Byambasaikhan signed a memorandum of understanding with the Invest Mongolia Agency head Sereeter Javkhlanbaatar. ―We have just signed an MoU for you, please utilize the opportunity for both BCM and Investment Mongolia,‖ said Javklhanbaatar. ―We will be your partner, and we will do our best.‖ The following new BCM members were introduced: 1. Mongol Bridge Group is a union of six individual companies that together dedicate their full efforts in bringing global practices and know-how to the Mongolian market, each in their respective fields. By reaching this goals Mongol Bridge hopes to bring to Mongolia the most efficient and effective methods in their respective fields, backed by flexible management, excellent executive teams, and young leadership. Member company activities encompass business consulting, real estate, natural rehabilitation, food and beverages, and mining. 2. Resource Mincom LLC is a foreign invested company established in October 2010. The company runs fluorspar enrichment operations able to produce 20,000 to 25,000 tons of enriched fluorspar a year at Batnorov Soum, Khentii Aimag. 3. Terra Energy LLC, since its establishment in 2011 as the 100 percent-owned Mongolian subsidiary of Guildford Coal, has aimed to support local communities through its preference of employing a local workforce and contracting local suppliers while focusing on the development of sustainable cooperation with local communities. Terra Energy is currently developing two projects in Mongolia, one in Dundgobi Aimag and another Umnugobi Aimag. The Umnugobi project is a large open-cut coking and thermal coal prospect that is located 60 kilometers from the Chinese border and is adjacent to two operating coal mines, SouthGobi Sands LLC and Mongolyn Alt (MAK) Group. The project in Umnugobi is now almost ready for mining and the export of high-quality coal. John Grogan, chairman of the Mongolian-British Chamber of Commerce, presented first, discussing British links with Mongolia. ―Last year we celebrated 50 years since Britain became the first country to recognize Mongolia,‖ he said. ―Obviously relations have developed over the years,‖ he said, including the contract between the Mongolian Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange, as well
  • 4. as partnerships in manufacturing and architectural design. Grogan noted the importance that the Tavan Tolgoi and Oyu Tolgoi projects play in the economy, noting that it was important that Mongolia carefully balance interests. He also lauded Mongolia for its forward visions in renewable energy generation. The second speakers of the evening were E. Enerelt, investment officer for Asian Development Bank, and Ts. Batbayar, director of the concession division at the Ministry of Economic Development, where they discussed the development of Mongolia's private-public partnership (PPP) agreements. Enerelt began by explaining the purpose of PPPs, including the sharing of knowhow and resources. ―The main objective is to provide public good while maximizing asset utilization,‖ said Batbayar, adding, ―Contract arrangements between public and private entities through skills, assets, and financing shares the risks and rewards.‖ Batbayar introduced how Mongolia was taking advantage of PPPs, mainly through the use of concession agreements where ownership is held by the private entities during development and transferred to the government upon completion or at a future date. Other options were agreements for leasing, management, and contracted services. Mongolia first began utilizing PPP agreements in 2009 by contracting out technical assistance and drafting the Concession Law, he said. Since then, Mongolia has considered 121 concession proposals, with 51 still under consideration by the Cabinet Secretariat. Thus far, only two are coming close to being enacted, he said. The final speaker of the evening was Thierry Plaisant, general director for Areva Mongol LLC. He began by recounting the French uranium and renewable energy firm's history in Mongolia, beginning with the establishment of COGEGOBI LLC in 1996. Then, in 2003, Areva acquired the Dulaan Uul uranium deposit, followed by the Zoovch Ovo deposit in 2009. The Dulaan Uul and Zoovh Ovoo resources were later registered by the Mineral Resources Authority at 6,259 and 57,700 tons of uranium, respectively. ―We have been here a long time—15 years—and expect to be here for 30, 40 years more,‖ said Plaisant. Areva has taken its responsibility of community relations as a great priority, he said, including MNT 1 billion in social spending and a three-year community development plan. BUSINESS RIO TINTO FACES FURTHER SETBACKS AT OYU TOLGOI Rio Tinto PLC‘s expansion of the vast Oyu Tolgoi copper mine could be further delayed because a deadline to secure project finance may be missed, according to the company that owns the Mongolian project. Rio and the Mongolian government are trying to iron out disagreements over bearing some development costs of the mine, one of the largest global copper deposits to come on stream this decade and a crucial plank in Rio‘s growth plans. However Turquoise Hill, the Rio-controlled company that owns 66 per cent of Oyu Tolgoi, said these ―shareholder issues‖ might not be resolved until a feasibility study for the mine‘s growth is completed, expected in the first half of the year. That puts Rio at risk of missing a 31 March deadline to close project finance agreements with commercial banks as well as with two multilateral development banks. In a further setback, Turquoise Hill also cut its estimates of output this year from the part of the mine already operating by 15,000 tons, after ramp-up problems in recent weeks. Oyu Tolgoi is now expected to produce between 135,000 and 160,000 tons of copper in concentrates this year, compared with a previous forecast of 150,000 to 175,000 tons. Turquoise Hill also trimmed its estimate for output of gold, a byproduct at the mine. Rio has said repeatedly it would rather take time to strike the right deal for a project that will last for many years. ―It‘s a big project, it‘s a complex project, it is a very long-life project, you need to get these things right up front,‖ said Sam Walsh, chief executive, last month.
  • 5. But Walsh warned Mongolia on the project finance talks, saying: ―The government is aware of the deadlines and the importance of the project finance. These agreements are in place. It would be a backward step if we had to renegotiate those.‖ Source: Financial Times RIO NAMES MONGOLIA AS 4TH LARGEST TAX RECIPIENT Mongolia was the fourth largest recipient of tax payments from Rio Tinto PLC in 2013, out of any of the countries it operated in 2013 that year. Rio Tinto reported USD 220 million in taxes and fees paid to Mongolia in 2013, out of USD 9.4 billion paid globally for the year. Oyu Tolgoi copper mine operator Rio Tinto voluntarily reported individual payments of over USD 1 million made to governments. ―This report demonstrates the significant contribution Rio Tinto makes to public finances in the countries where it operates around the globe,‖ said Rio Tinto Chief Financial Officer Chris Lynch. ―We are a strong advocate for global tax transparency and this is reflected through this report and our founding membership of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative". Australia received the most in tax from Rio, with more than USD 5.7 billion paid last year, followed by Canada (USD 523 million), and Chile (USD 380 million). Source: Info Mongolia SOUTHGOBI WARNS OF DEBT DEFAULT; SHARES TANK Canada's SouthGobi Resources Ltd. said it could default on a debt repayment and was looking to raise money, sending its shares down as much as 29 percent in afternoon trading. The company, controlled by Rio Tinto PLC through its unit Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd., also reported a bigger quarterly loss, mainly due to impairment charges. A delay in securing additional financing could result in a default of USD 250 million debentures held by China Investment Corp, SouthGobi said in a statement on Monday. SouthGobi shares plunged to 52 Canadian cents in afternoon trading, making it one of the biggest percentage losers on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The company had working capital—the difference between current assets and liabilities—of USD 41.7 million as of 31 December, compared with USD 120.4 million a year earlier. As of 24 March, the company had USD 10 million cash on hand. SouthGobi said it expects liquidity problems to continue and margins to remain weak as coal prices are likely to stay anemic in China this year, echoing U.S. rivals such as Alpha Natural Resources and Arch Coal Inc. Producers of metallurgical, or steelmaking, coal have been hit by weak demand amid slowing growth in China. SouthGobi is being investigated by Mongolia's Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC) and State Investigation Office (SIA) for possible breaches of anti-corruption, money laundering and taxation laws. The company said on Monday it had received a notice from the Mongolian authorities that might lead to criminal actions against three of its former employees and SouthGobi could be held liable as "civil defendant." The company's net loss widened to USD 138.7 million, or 75 cents per share, in the fourth quarter ended December 31, from USD 56.6 million, or 31 cents per share, a year earlier. SouthGobi took impairment losses of USD 106.8 million in the quarter. The company reported revenue of USD 32.5 million. SouthGobi reported revenue of USD 1.2 million in the year-earlier quarter, hurt by suspension of production at its flagship Ovoot Tolgoi mine in Mongolia. Source: Reuters SOUTHGOBI DECIDES AGAINST DRY COAL HANDLING UNIT Mongolia-focused SouthGobi Resources Ltd. said it is now looking for new financing and after review will not proceed with a dry coal handling facility (DCHF) at the Ovoot Tolgoi semi-soft coking coal mine, as it takes a USD 66.9 million charge related to the decision. The partly constructed DCHF facility will no longer be part of the company's product strategy for the foreseeable future as it seeks to minimize costs. SouthGobi reported a fall in product pricing for its coals, which are exported to China, as it sold more standard grade semi-soft coking coal rather than its premium grade into a weaker market and booked a USD 138.7 million loss for the fourth
  • 6. quarter, compared with a USD 56.6 million loss for the same period in 2012. "The Mongolian coal industry faced strong competition from seaborne and domestic Chinese coal producers. These factors led to both lower prices and a reduction in market share of 16% for Mongolian coal producers in Chinese coking coal imports in 2013 compared to 2012," it said. The first phase of the DCHF project comprised a coal rotary breaker intended to reduce screening costs and improve yield recoveries. This equipment was successfully commissioned in February 2012 and operated briefly, but was not used further since mining activities that were halted later in 2012 recommenced in March 2013. The second phase of the DCHF project included the installation of dry air separation modules and covered load out conveyors with fan stackers to take processed coals to stockpiles and enable more efficient blending. As coal markets improve and production from Ovoot Tolgoi increases in line with anticipated capacity of nine million tons a year of run-of-mine production, the DCHF will be reviewed again, SouthGobi said. Further, SouthGobi said it recorded a USD 30.2 million impairment loss in the fourth quarter, related to USD 33.6 million in prepaid toll washing fees to Ejinaqi Jinda Coal Industry Co. Source: Platts CENTERRA GOLD PREPARED TO SPEND UP TO USD 370 MILLION AT GATSUURT Centerra Gold Inc. is prepared to invest up to another USD 320 million into the Gatsuurt god deposit once government permission arrives, said Centerra's vice president at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto, Canada in March. ―Confidence in the mining industry of Mongolia has been recovering,‖ said Jeff Parr, who is also Centerra's chief financial officer. ―We have invested USD 50 million in the Gatsuurt deposit. In the future, we are ready to make additional investment of USD 270-320 million.‖ The government banned exploration at Gatsuurt after the passage of the so-called 2009 Long-Name Law that banned exploration and mining activities at areas near forests and head waters. Miners await a controversial amendment to the law to learn the final decision on where mining activities will be allowed. Source: Zuunii Medee NIKKEN SEKKEI GROUP TO DESIGN 68-STORY BUILDING IN UB BUSINESS DISTRICT Mongolia's Mon Uran LLC 11 March signed a letter of agreement with Japanese architect Nikken Sekkei Group for the construction of what would be Ulaanbaatar's largest tower during the MIPIM international real estate show held in Cannes, France. Dubbed the Tower Project, the building would be Mongolia‘s first ever 68-story building in Ulaanbaatar city. Blueprints show plans to develop a 110,000 square-meter high-rise building situated 1.1 hectares south of the Children‘s Palace. The 250-meter tower would feature earthquake resistance, an observatory deck at the top floors, residential area for sale, serviced apartments, a five-star hotel, commercial office and retail space, indoor and outdoor parking. ―We agreed that MIPIM would be an ideal international platform for us to sign our agreement and we intend to showcase the project here next year,‖ said Mon Uran Chief Executive Officer B. Oyunchimeg. ―We chose Nikken Sekkei because this project requires high quality and vision, and we believe that they have the right credentials to deliver such a design,‖ she added. The project is scheduled to begin in 2014 and complete December 2018. Source: Info Mongolia PRINTER TONER FACTORY OPENS The Mongolian company Tugs Dardas has opened Mongolia's first laser printer and copy machine toner factory. The factory has the capacity to produce more than 30 types of toner for some 50 types of printers, such as HP, Canon, Lenovo, Samsung, and XEROX. The factory has two production lines with 16 workers and will produce 300 printer toners per day, with production to utilize imported parts. Organizations such as mobile telecoms company Unitel and the SME Support Fund have committed to using Tugs Dardas' products.
  • 7. Source: Unuudur PANDROL COMPLAINS OF UNFAIR BIDDING FOR NEW RAILWAY PROJECT The British railway part manufacturer Pandrol has complained of an unfair bidding process for Mongolia's railway construction process. Pandrol has complained that Samsung C&T's decision to partner with Germany's Vossloh for railway fastening and sleeper parts for the construction of 267 kilometers of rail was unfair because Vossloh's parts have not been tested in Mongolia yet, which is a requirement for its use. A working group established by the Road and Transportation Ministry has been tasked with investigating the complaint. Source: Undesnii Shuudan KINCORA ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF USD 4.48 MILLION PRIVATE PLACEMENT Kincora Copper Ltd. announced the completion of an oversubscribed CAD 5 million (USD 4.48 million) private placement. Funds from the capital raising will be used for high priority drilling, and other exploration activities, at our flagship and wholly owned Bronze Fox license in the upcoming 2014 field season. Kincora has closed the first tranche of financing for gross proceeds of CAD 4.575 million through the issuance of 91.5 million units at a price of CAD 0.05 per unit. Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share of Kincora for a period of two years, expiring 24 March 2016 at a price of CAD 0.105 per share. "Kincora attracted significant demand for the Offering, which has been well oversubscribed, illustrating strong interest and support for our proposed field season activities at Bronze Fox,‖ said Sam Spring, Kincora president and chief executive. He added, ―The Company‘s focus is now mobilizing field season activities and advancing a number of corporate initiatives. Drilling, and other follow up activities, are planned shortly at Bronze Fox based on extremely promising previous drill results, new geophysical and other 'long lead' time / technical activities undertaken in 2013.‖ Kincora paid finder‘s fees of USD 190,642 for the first tranche of the offering, with efforts led by the Private Office SA and Resource Investment Capital Limited (ResCap), and assisted by SkyPath Partners LLC, Pareto Securities Limited and The Mongolian Investment Banking Group LLC (MIBG). The company proposes to issue further approximately 8.5 million units for proceeds of approximately USD 425,000 to Khayyam Minerals Ltd. Source: Kincora Copper Ltd. SOUTH AFRICAN OFFICIAL EXPLORES COOPERATION OPPORTUNITIES AT SHIVEE OVOO A South African delegation led by Godfrey Oliphant, the deputy minister of the country's mineral resources, visited the Shivee Ovoo coal mine last week on Thursday. The delegation inspected the mine's operations and capacity and learned the long-term goals for the mine. Executive director of the mine O. Otgonbaatar met with the Oliphant to exchange views on ways to introduce to Mongolia technology being implemented in South Africa and how their two nations could cooperate. The South African official said that his visit was the start of fruitful cooperation. The mine, located 260 kilometers from the city, is Mongolia‘s largest brown coal deposit providing 30 percent of domestic coal demand and 70 percent of coal demand of energy production for the central region. Source: Montsame IMAX SIGNS TWO-THEATER DEAL IN MONGOLIA IMAX has signed a deal with New Tour Safaris Co. to bring two of its screens, and super-sized Hollywood blockbuster movies, to Mongolia. The operator of the Urgoo Cinemas chain has inked a deal to install two IMAX theaters in new construction projects in Ulaanbaatar, the nation‘s capital. "With the rapid expansion of our international theater network and an increased number of local-
  • 8. language films, we are now more globally diversified than ever and today‘s agreement underscores our continued focus on globalization," Andrew Cripps, president of IMAX EMEA, who is charged with the company's expansion beyond North America, said Friday in a statement. The Mongolian deal gets IMAX into 58 countries and follows the large format exhibitor expanding in Asia, and especially China, with Hollywood and local-language movie titles. Urgoo Cinemas currently has seven screens in Mongolia, and has plans to bring seven to ten new multiplex cinemas to the country within five years, while including IMAX screens. Source: Hollywood Reporter MONGOLIAN RAILWAY APPOINTS CEO Mongolian Railway's governing board last week Friday appointed P. Batsaikhan as chief executive officer. From 2006 to 2008 Batsaikhan served as state secretary to the Road and Tourism Ministry. He also has worked as director of railroad projects for Millennium Challenge Corp. in Mongolia. Source: Zuunii Medee STATE UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE TO COOPERATE WITH MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY Representatives of the Mongolian State University of Agriculture (MSUA) and the United States' Missouri State University (MSU) Monday signed a cooperation agreement for the launching of a student and cultural exchange program. Signing the agreement Monday was Kh. Altantsetseg, deputy director of the MSUA department of international cooperation, and Stephen Roninette, the MSU vice president for international programs. The universities agreed to roll out a joint bachelor‘s degree program utilizing students could either study at MSUA for three years and then complete a final year at MSU or study at MSUA for two years, MSU for one year, and then return to MSUA for a final year. Source: Montsame CHINA-MONGOLIA BUSINESS COUNCIL TO LAUNCH IN APRIL The first meeting of a China-Mongolia Business Council will be held 4 April at the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI). The council's main objectives are to widen Mongolia-China trade and economic cooperation, expand the opportunities for Mongolian businessmen in the Chinese market, attract Mongolian enterprises to joint ventures with Chinese companies, help Mongolian businessmen collaborate with China‘s state-run and private organizations, and protect the legal interests and rights of Mongolian entities. Members will elect council‘s members at the 4 April meeting. Source: Montsame KHAN BANK PROVIDES FINANCE LESSONS FOR YOUTHS Khan Bank LLC organized multiple programs to broaden the financial education of young people during Global Boney Week. Khan Bank joined the Global Money Week program with the launch of two major programs for pupils between fifth and seventh grade at 9 districts and 21 provinces. Khan Bank provided lessons to approximately 5,700 students on the topics of money, the value of money, wise spending, saving money, and how banks operate. Lessons were also taught at Gegeerel, an unofficial education center in Sukhbaatar District for children from 9 districts who have dropped out of school. Source: Khan Bank LLC PETROCHINA'S HEALTHY EMBRACE OF MARKET REALITY Even China's state energy champions are bending to market realities. But that doesn't mean they will behave entirely like their Western counterparts. PetroChina Co. Ltd., the country's largest oil firm by production and the sole producer of petroleum products from Mongolia, said Thursday that it slashed capital expenditure by 9.6 percent in 2013, a sign that efficiency has become a priority over blind expansion. That's the first time capex has
  • 9. declined since the state-owned company listed in 2000. It's budgeting another 7 percent cut this year. The cuts come after years of bloat. At its peak in 2012, PetroChina's USD 58 billion in capital expenditures outstripped the cash it earned from operations by some USD 19 billion. It borrowed to bridge the gap, pushing net debt to roughly 37 percent of equity that year from near zero in 2007. The company focused only on growing size and pushed further into loss-making refining and chemicals, besides its core exploration and production activities. Such profligacy is hard to continue, even more so with Brent crude prices slumping 15 percent in the last two years. Western oil majors have responded by scaling back costs and shedding assets. Investors will be glad to see a state-owned Chinese company doing the same. Yet PetroChina has much more cutting to do. Its capital expenditure was still 22 percent higher than Exxon Mobil Corp.'s in 2013, though the Chinese firm produced 7 percent less oil and gas. PetroChina is cutting in refining, pipelines and retail—everywhere except exploration and production—unlike some Western majors who are dialing back drilling. PetroChina is likely acting on Beijing's directives for state firms to be more market-oriented. That's welcome, as is China latest increase to household natural gas prices this week, which lets the company pass on costs. The danger for investors is PetroChina's continued tightness with the most powerful forces in government. Last year, PetroChina was the stage for a corruption scandal linked to top-level Communist Party infighting. Investors should wait for more signs of reform before believing that PetroChina is ready to embrace market forces for real. Source: Wall Street Journal SINOPEC SPEEDS UP SHALE GAS DEVELOPMENT Chinese oil company Sinopec Ltd., the company investing into a coal gasification plant in Mongolia, will put its first shale gas field into commercial operation sooner than expected, aiming for annual production of 10 billion cubic meters by 2017 as the country seeks to reduce its reliance on imported oil and gas. China‘s second-largest oil company is positioning itself as the flag-bearer of a drive to develop more domestic fuel as the country seeks to mimic the U.S. shale revolution. Sinopec‘s decision could help China reach its target of producing 6.5 billion cubic meters from shale by 2015, a target that most analysts had thought could not be met because of disappointing early results. Sinopec engineers were excited by initial results at wells drilled this year at Fuling, near the southwestern metropolis of Chongqing. The company plans annual capacity at Fuling to reach 1.8 billion cubic meters by the end of this year, rising to 5 billion cubic meters by 2015, well above its earlier target of 2 billion cubic meters by next year from all its shale plays. Media reports say it could spend USD 4 billion on Fuling, a number the company did not confirm. Proceeds from a planned sale of a 30 percent stake in Sinopec‘s cash cow petrol stations could be ploughed into shale. ―The new capital from outside investors will be used for adjusting capital structure, further exploiting shale gas fields, investing in environment and safety, and upgrading quality of oil products,‖ Chairman Fu Chengyu told reporters in Hong Kong on Monday. Sinopec, PetroChina Ltd. and Cnooc Group all cut back on capital expenditures in 2013, coming in under budget for the year and signaling further cuts in 2014, in line with a global trend by oil groups to reduce capex. PetroChina cut capex by 10 percent in 2013 and plans another 7 percent cut in 2014. ―We expect the CNPC group will be more prudent in its acquisition strategy under the new management,‖ wrote Moody‘s analyst Kai Hu. Sinopec cut expected capital expenditures by 4 percent to CNY 161.6 billion (USD $25.96 billion) this year, after coming in 7 percent under budget last year. Source: Financial Times
  • 10. ECONOMY MONGOLIA TO SPEND MNT 1 TRILLION ON INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION Prime Minister Norov Altankhuyag at the Mongolian Economic Forum held this week noted the importance of domestic production in Mongolia and how the government initiative to finance Mongolian production of end products can help strengthen the economy. The announcement fit this year's theme, ―Let's Create in Mongolia,‖ which encourages at home- production in Mongolia for export goods and goods to replace regular imports. He noted that Mongolia has allotted MNT 1 trillion to help finance start-ups aiming to replace imported goods and export goods for construction materials, woven clothing, food, and mining. ―The number of end-product manufacturers in Mongolia are too few to count, with Mongolia importing 88 percent of total consumer goods.‖ said Altankhuyag. ―Meanwhile the total export estimates for raw materials accounts for over 90 percent. We should fix this system immediately, otherwise expect an economic dilemma to appear easily.‖ This year's forum was its fifth year and featured a presentation by the World Economic Forum on three development scenarios for Mongolia that were first introduced at Davos. Source: Info Mongolia VOLUME OF GOLD SALES GROWS 8-FOLD Y-O-Y The Bank Mongolia reported that the volume of gold it purchased in February was eight times greater than the year before in an economic report. Mongolia sold 1,114.5 kilograms of gold in February compared with138.6 kilograms last year. The volume of January gold purchases was 255.8 kg. Source: Zuunii Medee COAL MINERS LAY OFF WORKERS AMID DIFFICULT MARKET CLIMATE State-owned miners Baganuur and Shivee Ovoo have laid off over 100 workers each due to market weakness for coal. Mongolia had more than 50 coal mining companies in 2012, but saw only 5 retain operations last year. This year, only Mongolyn Alt Group (MAK) exported a small volume of coal while others curtailed production, instead investing in the project with ground work. MAK gave employees long holidays with salary rather than lay off workers. Energy Resource LLC was the only company to export washed coal last year, but only last week lifted a suspension of production put in place June last year. Energy Resources employed 2,400 at peak production, but only retained workers with partial pay during the period of suspended operations. MAK, Energy Resource, SouthGobi Sands LLC, and Shenhua MAK Nariin Sukhait LLC—the major coal miners in the Mongolian coal market—saw only small profits last year from small volumes of exports while companies such as Mongolia Energy Corp. (MEC) Ltd. cut out export completely. MEC currently had 70 employees at the Khushuut mine who received salaries during the operations suspension. Khushuut operations are expected to resume in July. B. Gulguu, a specialist for MEC, said the losses seen while operating were lesser than if they were to suspend all activities. MEC has nearly finished its dry enrichment factory and is building washing and enrichment factory in China. Source: Undesnii Shuudan NEW CUSTOMS SYSTEM TO LAUNCH TUESDAY Mongolia is preparing to reform its customs system with a new operating structure to launch 1 April, said Cabinet Secretariat Minister Ch. Saikhanbileg at the Border Point Reform meeting 19 March. Government established two working groups tasked with identifying ways to reduce the number of special permissions required by government. Mongolia has 46 border ports, 9 of which operate 24-7. However, 60 percent of border ports lack the capacity to serve passengers and 30 percent do not have any check points. Mongolia's Custom Law requires that the amount of paperwork that must be presented at the border be reduced from 11 to 13 documents to two to four.
  • 11. Another law expected to create greater efficiency in Customs, the Specialized Inspection Law bill, will be discussed at the spring session of Parliament. Source: Undesnii Shuudan ULAANBAATAR TO ISSUE MNT 370 BILLION BOND Ulaanbaatar Mayor Erdene Bat-Uul on March 26 announced the decision to release a MNT 370 billion bond during a meeting with the chairman of the Mongolian-British Chamber of Commerce Bat-Uul received an invitation from Mongolian-British Chamber of Commerce Chairman John Grogan to discuss the Mongolian Investment Summit conference to be held in London from April 29-May 2. On the agenda for the conference are discussions for bringing accounting to the international level, creating consistencies between Mongolian and international law, and creating a favorable investment environment. They also discussed a bond offering that city officials have worked on for a year for the Mongolian exchange. The Ulaanbaatar City Council is scheduled to discuss the bond in April before a finished plan is submitted to the city cabinet. ―I will be attending the upcoming Forum in London myself and hope fruitful collaboration with you, particularly in investment and bond issues,‖ said Bat-Uul. Source: Info Mongolia NEW SEWAGE PLANT FOR ARKHANGAI A sewage plant is under development for construction 8 kilometers from Tsetserleg Soum, Arkhangai Aimag. Some MNT 8 billion has been allotted for the plant. Officials said construction was expected to start this year, with commissioning expected for 2015. Source: Montsame MONGOLIAN INVESTORS HOPE GOOD TIMES WILL ROLL AGAIN Mongolia does not attract the same amount of foreign investment as it used to and many investors have cut their losses and left. But some high-profile executives are standing their ground with the expectation that the good old days will return soon. "There's a lot of money that needs to come into Mongolia, and it's not going to come in by itself," says Cameron McRae, who took on the role of executive chairman at Ulaanbaatar-based investment and advisory firm SkyPath Partners after nearly three years as the country manager for Rio Tinto PLC in Mongolia, where he headed the giant USD 6.5 billion Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine. McRae has spent much of his career in Mongolia as a peacemaker managing the fraught relations between Rio Tinto and the government. He is also advising Kincora Copper, which had to explain to investors a CAD 7 million write-down because of the canceled licenses. He thinks the Mongolian government understands investors' gripes, however, and it is doing its best to build the kind of environment required to flourish. McRae is not alone in his optimism about Mongolia. Property development veteran Paul Byrne is chief executive officer of the commercial real estate-focused Mongolia Growth Group Ltd. His resume boasts eight years leading commercial real estate development activities for the USD 3.2 billion Hong Kong International Airport and client representative to the New York Port Authority for reconstruction of the World Trade Center. While the USD 80 million that Byrne says MGG invested pales in comparison to the multi-billion-dollar projects and company portfolios he's worked with in the past, he sees more growth potential in sheer scale here. The Western market "doesn't see step changes like emerging markets," says Byrne. Meanwhile McRae intends to help investors learn how they can participate in the massive reconstruction effort, as well as other basic societal needs missing in the more remote corners of the world's most sparsely populated country. Mongolian Prime Minister Norov Altankhuyag has ordered that USD 230 million of a USD 1.5 billion sovereign bond issued in 2012 be used to finance the establishment of at-home industries for downstream processing of the minerals mined here, as well as agriculture, light industry and the production of materials for home and building construction. And that's just where the country should be headed, says Byrne. "Sometimes what you see in emerging markets is, until you get enough critical mass on the bones,
  • 12. the peaks and troughs are very big," says Byrne while recalling his experience with economic crises throughout Asia. "Once you have a bit more meat on the bones, the peaks and troughs are less." Source: BNE MONGOLIA PUTS GER SHANTYTOWNS ON THE MAP Gers have been an iconic part of Mongolian nomadic culture for centuries. These white, mobile tents have been home to generations of Mongolian warriors and herders, through the ebb and flow of the nation‘s fortunes since the time of Genghis Khan. Perfectly suited to a nomadic lifestyle, gers were never meant to serve as housing for urban residents. Yet today they have become the symbol of Ulaanbaatar‘s growing slums, the ger districts. A new city master plan approved by Parliament in February 2013 sets a first ever framework for the ger districts upgrade, bundling them up in six sub-centers to be equipped with the necessary infrastructure to give residents access to basic services. When the black smokes coming out of the gers‘ stoves started contaminating the whole city, the government scrambled to approve relocation schemes based on construction developments and cheap mortgages. Yet these programs largely fell short as most ger residents simply could not afford them. ―When you upgrade poor urban areas, the best approach is to redevelop on site engaging with local communities, because their network is there, as opposed to force people to move far away,‖ Asian Development Bank (ADB)‘s urban development specialist Arnaud Heckmann observes. The ADB and municipality have drafted a USD 320 million program to bring basic infrastructure to the six sub-centers. Private developers are already negotiating deals with residents asking them to swap their land plots for newly built apartments in the area. However, the idea of living in walled, permanent apartments raises eyebrows for those who spent their entire lives in gers. Also, trust in authorities is extremely low. That‘s why entire blocks belonging to the Bayankshoshuu and Selbe sub-centers, the first two to be upgraded, still appear reluctant to agree to any sort of land swap agreement. Gers remain one of the most fundamental traditions of Mongolian unique nomadic culture, and still provide home of almost half of Mongolians nationally today. Now that Ulaanbaatar‘s gers are on the map, there is a chance that they can become the link between an ancient nomadic lifestyle and modern-day living, without necessarily standing for poverty and deprivation. Source: The Diplomat NIGEL FINCH JOINS EFFORT TO STRENGTHEN AUSTRALIA-MONGOLIA TIES Resource-rich and strategically located between China and Russia, Mongolia is the world‘s most sparsely populated country, with 2.8 million people spread over an area almost as big as Queensland, Australia. For most of the 20th century, Mongolia was a satellite state of the former Soviet Union with a largely agrarian and centrally-planned economy. However, with the collapse of Communism and a series of structural reforms in the 1990s, the country is now an emerging democracy with one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. ―Mongolia is at a crossroads in its economic development, with major projects in the mining and agricultural sectors now underway, and the Mongolians are keen to acquire Australian technology and knowhow in these crucial areas,‖ said Finch, director of the newly formed Australia Mongolia Business Council and associate dean for undergraduates at the University of Sydney's Business School. He went on to say that Mongolia is also keen to further strengthen its educational links with Australia. The Federal Government currently funds 40 places for Mongolian students at Australian universities. ―There is already a strong relationship between the two countries, and the Australia Mongolia Business Council will strengthen that relationship further,‖ Finch added. The new business council will promote business opportunities in Mongolia; encourage mutually beneficial cooperation between Australian and Mongolian companies; and work to reduce barriers to trade and investment. It will also represent the interests of the more than 200 Australian companies already operating in Mongolia. The Council will be chaired by Mark Green, Minter Ellison‘s
  • 13. international managing partner. ―Australia has had a positive trade relationship with Mongolia for over 40 years, and in recent times, the level of trade and investment into Mongolia from Australia has risen significantly,‖ said Green. Mongolia‘s Ambassador of Mongolia, Ravdan Bold, has welcomed the establishment of the Council saying that his embassy was ―very supportive of the initiative and looks forward to working with the Council in its future endeavors.‖ Source: University of Sydney AUSTRALIA TO GRANT MORE SCHOLARSHIPS Australia promised to grant more scholarships to Mongolian students during a visit last week by Foreign Affairs Minister Luvsanvadan Bold. Bold met with Australia's Minister of Foreign relations in Canberra, J. Bishop, where they agreed to further development the relationship between their two countries with AUD 20 million in aid over the next five years for a total of 43 scholarships—five more than last year. Separately, Bold and his Australian counterpart agreed to continue to negotiate on a work-travel program for Mongolian youths, and signed a memorandum of understanding for consular services. Source: Zuunii Medee NGO STAFF RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIPS TO MARK END OF 2-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM The Mongolian Center for Development Studies (MCDS) held a closing ceremony for the two-year Local NGO Capacity Building Program at the Local NGO Marketplace Forum held at the Institute of Finance and Economics (IFE), said the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation on its website Tuesday. The forum was the first of its kind for 75 local non-government organizations (NGOs), where they showcased their achievements at the event and 15 organizations were awarded scholarships for a new Master's Degree of NGO Management. Government representatives from three ministries attended the event. ―We have big government, but how can we have smart government without NGOs?‖ asked the IFE Deputy Director and host of the NGO Capacity-Building Program Batjargal. ―This is an opportunity to show the government how NGOs contribute to national development.‖ A total of 120 organizations took part in the two-year program, learning how to improve their organizational and management skills through a series of trainings covering subjects such as fiscal management, strategic management, and leadership. A jury of representatives from IFE and MCDS awarded members of 15 organizations with scholarships. Recipients came from 10 provinces and specialized in areas such as government monitoring, environmental protection, and the promotion of rights for people with disabilities. The master‘s degree course will be offered either as a Saturday course or for two three-week blocks per year over an 18-month period. The course will also feature materials from the MCDS that are to be adapted for the future. Source: Montsame ZORIG FOUNDATION TO LAUNCH YOUNG SCHOLARS PROGRAM The Zorig Foundation is launching its Mongolian Young Scholars Program, which aims to prepare promising Mongolian high school students for admissions into leading universities abroad. The Mongolian Young Scholars Program will bring 30 Mongolian High School students on a seven-day trip in late June this year to visit universities where they will be taught in English by undergraduates from leading U.S. universities. The undergraduate instructors will present lectures on the liberal arts, English language composition, and college preparation. The program will also offer the opportunity for participants to engage with leaders from Mongolian society and to participate in diverse extracurricular activities. Student participants are to be recruited through a nationwide application process based on academic performance and English-language ability.
  • 14. Source: Zorig Foundation EPCRC RELEASED 2013 INDEX FOR COMPETITIVENESS AMONG PROVINCES The Economic Policy and Competitiveness Research Center (EPCRC) in a recently published report named Orkhon Aimag as the province with the greatest competitiveness in Mongolia. EPCRC announced the result of its study on the competitiveness of each province, with Orkhon and the city of Erdenet leading the country. In second place was Umnugobi Aimag, where the Oyu Tolgoi and Tavan Tolgoi projects are, followed by Darkhan-Uul in third, then Dornogobi Aimag, Tuv Aimag, Selenge Aimag, Sukhbaatar Aimag, Gobi Sumber Aimag, and Dornod Aimag. Sukhbaatar was noted to have the most positive business environment while Dundgobi had the least. Arkhangai took the last spot, one spot behind its position last year. Dundgobi earned 156 points for last year, for a score of 43, due to the construction of paved roads that lead to Ulaanbaatar. Arkhangai also earned an additional four points for a score of 41. The competitiveness index is evaluated based on 180 criteria, grouped into four main classifications: economics, governance, business environment, and infrastructure. EPCRC said noted hindrances in the development of some provinces were the absence of a provincial development policy, infrastructure, and a fair business environment, with priorities listed in that order. Currently 12 provinces are connected with Ulaanbaatar via paved roads. Khuvsgul, Dornod, Umnugobi, Sukhbaatar, Gobi-Altai and Zavkhan Aimags are all expected to have new roads connecting to the capital this year, while Bayan Ulgii, Khovd and Uvs will see roads complete next year. Source: Udriin Sonin EU TO PROVIDE EUR 6.5 BN TO MONGOLIA AND 11 OTHER ASIAN NATIONS European Union Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs on 20 March announced EUR 6.5 billion in financial support to Asian countries and organizations, including Mongolia, between 2014 and 2020. Piebalgs made the announcement during a two-day event for a discussion with national and regional authorities on development. The pledge for funding is a 20 percent increase from that of between 2007 and 2013, and will address issues within these nations that are targeted by Brussels and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Priority issues include social protections, healthcare, education, job creation, and the better integration of nations into regional and global economic partnerships. "The E.U. is committed to cooperation with Asia for the long-run. The future programs are expected to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals in the region, address climate change, promote energy efficiency, facilitate business and trade through better market access and support regional integration, said Piebalgs" Source: Info Mongolia COPPER REBOUNDS FROM RECENT SELL-OFF Copper continued to recover from a recent sharp sell-off, rising more than 2 percent on Tuesday as traders closed bearish positions. The red metal, which is used extensively in construction and electrical applications, hit a three- and-half year low earlier this month on concerns about China, which accounts for 40 percent of global copper demand. Copper for three-month delivery on the London Metal Exchange rose USD 115 to USD 6,585 a ton on Tuesday, lifted by a flurry of short covering in China and news of an industrial dispute at a large mine in Chile, the world‘s leading copper producer. Worries about supply disruption prompted investors to close their bearish positions. The slump in the prices was sparked by China‘s first corporate bond default in modern history. This triggered a reassessment of credit risk in the country and in turn raised concerns that financing deals could be liquidated. Copper is a popular source of collateral for loans in China. Disruptions to copper mines ran at their lowest level in almost a decade in 2013. This was a key factor in boosting world mined production by 8 percent to 18 million tons, according to the International Copper Study Group. While improved maintenance schedules and better planning
  • 15. played a large part in reducing outages, losses because of strikes, particularly in Chile, were also reduced. On the demand side, investment by China‘s grid companies has risen sharply in the first two months of the year, helping to disband some of the doubts over copper demand in China. ―China‘s grid companies invested a total of Rmb40bn in the first two months of 2014, an increase of 22 per cent year-on-year,‖ said Barclays. ―This growth was achieved despite a high base; in January-February 2013, investment rose 44 per cent from a soft 2012. Other indicators were also healthy; grid companies added 11 per cent more transmission lines in the same time period and 61 per cent more transforming capacity,‖ the bank added. Aurubis, Europe‘s biggest copper smelter, was reported on Monday as saying the recent slump in copper prices had generated more demand in Europe for its products. Source: Financial Times POLLUTION KILLED 7 MILLION PEOPLE WORLDWIDE IN 2012, REPORT FINDS From taxi tailpipes in Paris to coal-fired stoves in Ulaanbaatar, air pollution claimed 7 million lives around the world in 2012, according to figures released Tuesday by the World Health Organization (WHO). More than one-third of those deaths occurred in fast-developing nations of Asia such as Mongolia, where rates of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease have been soaring. ―The big news is that we have a better understanding of how large a role air pollution plays in strokes and coronary heart attacks,‖ said Carlos Dora, coordinator of public health and the environment at WHO. ―Given the astronomical costs, countries need to find a way to prevent these noncommunicable diseases.‖ Breakneck urbanization in the developing nations of Asia, especially China, is a major force contributing to the air pollution problem. The WHO report, released in Geneva, coincided on Tuesday with the publication of a World Bank study in Beijing concerning China‘s drive to urbanize. The study, issued with the Development Research Center of China‘s State Council, argued that many of the country‘s cities had been allowed to sprawl wastefully and called for better-planned, denser cities instead. The bank estimated that China will spend USD 5.3 trillion on urban infrastructure over the next 15 years, as it plans to move 100 million farmers to cities and to better integrate another 100 million who already live in urban areas but lack full access to schools and hospitals. The study said the Chinese government could save USD 1.4 trillion of that cost—or about 15 percent of the country‘s total economic output last year—by planning its cities more rationally. In China, a big culprit for pollution is coal, which supplies two-thirds of the country‘s energy. A study published last year in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences estimated that people in northern China, where the air pollution is worst, lived an average of five fewer years than those in the south. Alarmed by the worsening smog and the rising discontent among urban residents, Chinese leaders have taken note, promising to reduce reliance on coal and introduce cleaner- burning motor fuels and more energy-efficient construction methods. Source: New York Times GUESSING CHINA'S PLANS FOR GROWTH Another disappointing economic start for Mongolia's top trade partner this year has investors looking to Beijing to prime the pump. HSBC's preliminary manufacturing purchasing managers index fell to 48.1 in March from 48.5 in February. It is the first reading since the distorting effects of the Lunar New Year and confirms what many have been denying: China is in slowdown mode again. This is the third year in a row that the economy has stumbled out of the gate. Each time the government quietly initiates a stimulus that only becomes fully apparent several months down the road. By year's end, the economy hits the growth target, albeit at the expense of efforts to reduce the economy's addiction to debt and infrastructure spending. It's an object lesson in China's inscrutability that analysts differ wildly on exactly what Beijing might do. Some say a stimulus is not even needed, given that job creation, a key ingredient in the Communist Party's survival, is holding up. Others see a stimulus program that is already well under
  • 16. way. Low interbank interest rates suggest the central bank is allowing liquidity to accumulate. The recent fall in the yuan provides relief to exporters, while construction projects get a green light. The question is whether this year Beijing can perform the same tricks. It has left itself room to again fall back on debt-driven growth, setting the money-supply growth target at 13 percent, aggressive given that nominal gross-domestic-product growth has fallen below 10 percent the past two years. Yet debt is like alcohol, in that the more often one drinks, the more servings it takes to get drunk. Credit efficiency, or the jolt an economy gets per yuan of debt, has fallen substantially since 2008, according to Nomura calculations. Companies are borrowing more to repay existing loans, rather than generating new economic activity. That will keep bankers busy, but it's unclear if it will help everyone else. Source: Wall Street Journal YUAN'S DECLINE RAISES CONCERNS OVER CURRENCY WAR The recent sharp decline in the Chinese currency is threatening to exacerbate China's trade tensions with the United States and raising concerns over a potential currency war in Asia. Mongolia is also using yuan currency swaps to bolster its own currency—last week the Bank of Mongolia announced it would double its currency swap line with China. China's central bank has intervened since late February to drive down the value of the yuan against the U.S. dollar by 2.8 percent so far in 2014, almost erasing all of its gains last year and ushering in a rare period of weakness for a currency which has steadily appreciated over the past decade. The People's Bank of China argues the depreciation is needed to drive out speculators who were betting the yuan would continue to rise, according to people with direct knowledge of the central bank's thinking. Bank officials also contend China's move to allow market forces to play a greater role in setting the yuan's value has exacerbated the weakness. Still, officials and politicians in the United States and other Asian nations believe China is intentionally keeping the yuan below its true market value to give exporters an edge over competitors in overseas markets. And a persistent drop in the yuan also risks igniting a race among Asian countries to devalue their currencies. To be sure, China's trade surplus has narrowed sharply in the past few years, as policy makers tilt the economy to rely more on consumption and less on exports. And many expect the yuan to continue its upward climb later this year, fueled by capital inflows. Some observers, though, say the decline shows China still views export competitiveness as important. Sherrod Brown, a U.S. Democratic senator and a member of the Senate Finance Committee, on Thursday called on Congress to pass a law to sanction China. "As the Chinese government continues to push down the value of the yuan, the urgency for passing our bipartisan bill addressing currency manipulation rises," Brown said. Source: Wall Street Journal POLITICS PARLIAMENT ADJUSTS TIMETABLE FOR SPRING SESSION Parliament Speaker Zandaakhuu Enkhbold on Monday issued a decree to reschedule the time for Parliament to meet during the spring session. Parliament sessions are now scheduled to convene every Thursday and Friday at 09:00 and at 14:00, beginning 7 April. Source: Montsame NEW STATE-OWNED COMPANY REPLACES MINISTRIES' CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENTS Mongolia has dissolved the construction management departments within ministries to be replaced with the state-owned Construction Development Center. The new agency is responsible for construction projects to be funded by the state for the Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism. The agency will be responsible for establishing regulations for construction as well as policies and standards. It
  • 17. will also be the office responsible for receiving blueprints for state-funded construction projects. Source: Unuudur FORMER PREMIER SUBMITS BILL ON TRADE REGULATIONS A group of Parliament members have submitted a bill for the regulation of trade in Mongolia. Former Prime Minister and sitting member of Sukhbaatar Batbold as well as parliamentarians D. Demberel, Ya. Sodbaatar and J. Enkhbayar said that a lack of information about the commercial sector was a cause for problems in crafting efficient policy. They proposed that the country consolidate registration and information on trade to create a database for policy decision making. The bill comprises 29 clauses, with 9 articles that would regulate domestic and external trade, they said. Source: Montsame ROADS MINISTER SUBMITS DRAFT RESOLUTION FOR ROADS POLICY Minister of Road and Transportation A. Gansukh Tuesday submitted to Parliament Speaker Z. Enkhbold a draft resolution for state policy on roads and transportation. "By having adopted this policy document, I want to deal with such problems and to change standards of auto road transportation services,‖ said Gansukh. Gansukh said that Mongolia faces many challenges for its road sector. For example, the unregulated transport of goods has triggered a black market that has contributed to a number of road accidents because of poorly prepared drivers. The draft resolution would regulate safety for the transport of passengers and freight, he said. Source: Montsame BLAIR MEETS WITH ALTANKHUYAG FOR PRIVATE TALKS Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair met with Prime Minister Norov Altankhuyag for private talks during a visit to Mongolia last week. In addition to his meeting with the premier, Blair met with members of the opposition Mongolian People`s Party (MPP). During his last visit to Mongolia, Blair said he would work with the Mongolian government to help bring in its intended reforms and offered technical assistance to the Cabinet Secretariat in the form of his ―delivery unit‖ concept. Blair's visits to Mongolia both last year and this year coincided with the Kazakh Holiday of Nauriz. Source: News.mn AUSTRALIAN, MONGOLIAN GOVERNMENTS ANNOUNCE MONGOLIAN MINING PARTNERSHIP Australia and Mongolia's governments have announced a new five-year program focused on the sustainable development of mining in Mongolia. The USD 20 million program, dubbed The Australia-Mongolia Extractives Program, will use Australian mining expertise to spread the benefits of the industry across the nation's population. Commenting on the new partnership, Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop said "releasing Mongolia's fledgling mining industry from a failed mining tax has greatly benefited the economy.‖ "Australia is pledging to support the Mongolian government with financial assistance and expertise that will improve governance in the mining sector, opening their economy up to international investment and development opportunities,‖ she said. "The program will also improve access to technical and vocational education and training in disadvantaged communities in Mongolia, so they are better equipped to gain employment in the mining industry." This is not the first time the Australian government has strengthened its mining ties with Mongolia via the mining industry. In 2011 former Prime Minister Julie Gillard welcomed Mongolian Prime Minister Sukhbaatar Batbold to the country. At the time Batbold noted the increased interest of the Australian mining industry and its involvement in the nation, in particular its provision of expertise in geological, drilling, mining software, environmental management, financial, legal and training sectors to develop Mongolia‘s minerals and energy sector. The two heads of state participated in a number of memorandums to expand Australia‘s mining presence in the country, in particular a
  • 18. memorandum of understanding on vocational education cooperation designed at helping Mongolia build its mining work force. They also signed a memorandum of understanding between the Australian Academy of Science and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences to promote the exchange of ideas and the review of studies in common interest areas, such as geology. Source: Ferret.com CHINA, MONGOLIA VOW TO CEMENT PARTY-TO-PARTY EXCHANGES A senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Liu Yunshan, vowed on Thursday to beef up party-to-party exchanges with Mongolia. Liu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the pledge during his meeting with a Mongolian delegation led by Chairman Miegombyn Enkhbold of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP), also vice chairman of Mongolian Parliament. Liu said China expected to strengthen political trust with Mongolia, facilitate exchanges between ruling parties, governments and parliaments, and enhance cooperation in such areas as mineral resources and infrastructure building. He said China was committed to deepening reforms, in order to push forward greater development of the country, improve people's livelihood and contribute to world peace and development. Enkhbold said he was happy to be visiting China at a time of the 65th anniversary of Mongolia-China diplomatic ties. He said he had witnessed China's development achievements during his visit, which will also take him to south China's Guangdong Province. He hopes to further boost party-to-party exchanges and pragmatic cooperation between both countries through his visit. Enkhbold is visiting China from 17 to 21 March at the invitation of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee. Source: Xinhua PARLIAMENTARY OFFICES OF MONGOLIA AND LAOS TO COOPERATE Representatives of Mongolian Parliament and the Laotian National Assembly signed a memorandum of cooperation for inter-parliamentary cooperation. B. Boldbaatar, the secretary-general of the Parliamentary Office of Mongolia, and his Laotian counterpart Ungeev Vutila signed the agreement where each country's parliament agrees to collaborate at bilateral meetings during forums of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and other international and regional meetings. Mongolia and Laos have also agreed to exchange delegates to allow members to participate in experience sharing on the functions of each legislative body and their bill drafting processes. Source: Montsame KUWAITI AMBASSADOR VISITS BAYAN-OLGII PROVINCE IN MONGOLIA Kuwait's Ambassador to Mongolia Khaled Al-Fadhli made an official visit to Bayan-Ulgii Aimag last week on Thursday. The visit was in response to an invitation by the province's Governor Kh. Darmen to attend the Nowruz festivities, set to kick off on Friday. Upon his arrival, Ambassador Al-Fadhli was received by Governor Darmen, president of the Citizens' Representative Council at the province, a number of Islamic society representatives, and Islamic school students. Afterwards, the Kuwaiti diplomat held an official meeting with the province's governor and leaderships, during which they conveyed their great appreciation to Kuwait's major support and aid to Mongolia and Bayan-Olgii province, lauding at the same time assistance from the Kuwaiti public, as well as Kuwaiti philanthropic societies in building and restoring the province's mosques. Ambassador Al-Fadhli expressed his delight at attending the celebrations for what it represents of historic legacy and significance, expressing also his pride in being the first Arab ambassador to visit the province. Furthermore, he pointed out his aspiration to boost bilateral relations between Kuwait and Mongolia. Source: Kuwaiti News Agency
  • 19. ALBANIA, MONGOLIA TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONS Albania and Mongolian representatives signed a memorandum of understanding for strengthened relations, reported the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA). Albanian Deputy Foreign Minister Sokol Dervishaj held a meeting with Mongolian Deputy Foreign Ministry Damba Gankhuyag during his visit to observe the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Dervishaj briefed Gankhuyag on Albania's achievements, Albanian government priorities and the country's active role in the region, said ATA. Gankhuyag confirmed his readiness to promote cooperation between their two countries by improving the legal framework for cooperation between Albania and Mongolia. Source: Shanghai Daily MINISTRY EXTENDS NGO MANAGEMENT AT KHUSTAI Khustai National Park Trust managing board chief N. Enkhbold and Environment and Green Development Minister Sanjaasuren Oyun Monday signed an agreement to extend the park's term of management for another 10 years. The park is mostly known as the location where the Takhi, also known as Przewalski‘s horse, were released. After the government declared Khustai National Park a specially protected area in 1993, the park was managed by the Mongolian Association for the Conservation of Nature and the Environment from 1992 to 2003. Afterward, the Khustai National Park Trust took control. Khustai extends through the Khentii Mountains and includes the western edge of the Mongolian steppe, at the boundaries of Altanbulag, Argalant and Bayankhangai Soums of Tov Aimag. The park is about 100 kilometers west from Ulaanbaatar and covers 50,600 hectares. The grounds are home to 459 species of vascular plants, 85 species of lichens, 90 species of moss and 33 species of mushrooms. It is also where 44 species of mammals have been spotted, including Red deer, Mongolian gazelle, Roe deer, Wild boar, Wild sheep, Ibex, Mongolian marmots, Grey wolves, Lynx, Pallas cat, Red fox, Corsac fox and the Eurasian badger. It is also home to 217 species of birds, including the Golden eagle, Lammergeier, Great bustard, Whooper swan, Black stork, Daurian partridge and Little owl; 16 species of fish; 2 species of amphibians; and 385 species of insects. Source: Montsame ALLENS REVIEWS REGULATIONS FOR INVESTMENT AGREEMENTS UNDER INVESTMENT LAW On 21 October 2013, the Source reported on the introduction of Mongolia's new Investment Law, which regulates foreign investment in Mongolia. The law's introduction was seen by many as an indication of the government's desire to re-establish Mongolia's status as an attractive investment destination. The Law was enacted after a period of uncertainty attributable to earlier legislative reforms and proposals that were not generally regarded as supportive of foreign investment. Following the law's introduction, key Mongolian political leaders, including the president of Mongolia, have actively sought to attract renewed investor interest in Mongolia through several high-profile visits to Hong Kong, London and New York. The Investment Law provides that for large investments of more than MNT 500 billion (USD 284 million), if requested by an investor, the government may enter into an investment agreement to stabilize the environment in which the investor will be carrying out its operations. The government has recently passed the regulations in order to govern the process of entering into an investment agreement under the Law. The regulations do not apply to agreements for certain agreements. Agreements concerning nuclear energy are relegated to the Nuclear Energy Law, deposit development agreements to the Minerals Law, and production-sharing agreements to the Law on Petroleum. Accordingly, these agreements will continue to be subject to the provisions contained in the applicable legislation. The regulations set out the process of applying for, negotiating and executing an investment agreement. The regulations also describe the content of an investment agreement and how it will be monitored once it is signed. Click here for the full report. Source: Allens
  • 20. MONGOLIAN KAKURYU PROMOTED TO YOKOZUNA, SUMO‟S HIGHEST RANK Kakuryu of Mongolia was promoted to yokozuna on Wednesday, becoming the sixth foreign-born wrestler to reach sumo‘s highest rank. The 28-year-old Kakuryu won the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament with a 14-1 record en route to his second career title and was unanimously voted to become the 71st grand champion. Kakuryu, whose real name is Mangaljalav Anand, joins fellow Mongolians Hakuho and Harumafuji as the three wrestlers at the top rank. Sumo has not had a Japanese grand champion since Takanohana retired in 2003. Kakuryu becomes the fourth Mongolian to reach yokozuna. Asashoryu, who retired in 2010, was the first. Source: Washington Post MALAYSIA PREMIER RELEASES STATEMENT ON FATE OF MH370 Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak made the following statement on Monday in a news conference, in which he said that new data showed that Flight MH370 ended in the southern Indian Ocean. At least two of the passengers on the plane were en route to Mongolia. ―This evening I was briefed by representatives from the U.K. Air Accidents Investigative Branch (AAIB). They informed me that Inmarsat, the U.K. company that provided the satellite data which indicated the northern and southern corridors, has been performing further calculations on the data. Using a type of analysis never before used in investigation of this sort, they have been able to shed more light on MH370′s flight path. ―Based on their new analysis, Inmarsat and the AAIB have concluded that MH370 flew along the southern corridor, and that its last position was in the middle of the Indian Ocean, west of Perth. This is a remote location, far from any possible landing sites. It is therefore with deep sadness and regret that I must inform you that, according to this new data, flight MH370 ended in the southern Indian Ocean.‖ Source: Wall Street Journal ANNOUNCEMENTS DELOITTE LAUNCHES CFO PROGRAM IN MONGOLIA Deloitte Onch is launching its CFO program in Mongolia with the first CFO roundtable on 2 April. The Deloitte CFO program will feature a series of roundtable events to offer the opportunity for CFOs in Mongolia to network, share insights, best practices and discuss timely issues facing the CFOs of today. Deloitte launched its CFO program worldwide in 2008 and today it is active in more than 30 countries. The program is a CFO-centric initiative that includes a series of events and discussions on leadership. Today‘s CFOs are expected to step up to act as strategic advisor to CEOs. Therefore, the roundtable will focus on how CFOs can share their best practices to become catalysts and strategists rather than traditional stewards or operators. For more information email E. Enkhsanaa at eerdeneochir@deloitte.com ___________________________________________ MINEINFO'S MONGOLIA ORIENTATION CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT COURSE, 10 APRIL MineInfo is hosting the Mongolia Orientation training 10 April at the Continental Hotel in Ulaanbaatar. Once again, Mongolia has become an attractive destination for foreign investors. It is important to give foreigners a correct understanding about Mongolia, the Mongolian people, culture and traditions. The Orientation Training will provide foreigners and expats living and working in Mongolia with a full range of information about the country and its people, with the aim to ensure an easier and softer adaptation to a new and completely different environment. The training is delivered by renowned researchers and lecturers from the Mongolian universities, organized in a comfortable and luxury environment.
  • 21. The cost is MNT 940,000 per student. A 5% discount will be given to BCM members to register. For more information call 99053285 or 99098223. ___________________________________________ BCM MEMBERS RECEIVE 15% DISCOUNT FOR OIL AND OIL SHALE MONGOLIA, 9-10 APRIL The Oil and Oil Shale Mongolia 2014 international investment conference, hosted by the Petroleum Authority of Mongolia, will be held in Ulaanbaatar from 9 to 10 April 2014. The event will be attended by international investors, oil, gas, and oil shale companies, service providers, consultancies, equipment suppliers, and traders. Delegates will have a unique opportunity to network with industry's key contacts at the country's first international investment conference on oil, gas, and oil shale. They will have the opportunity to obtain vital information on legislation and policies on oil, gas, and oil shale exploration and production regulations from the officials of the Ministry of Mining and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia. Moreover, projects on oil refinery, exploration, production, plus oil shale projects will be presented. BCM members will receive an exclusive 15 percent discount. For more information call +976 9909- 1765 or 9910-5877, email info@oilmongolia.com or logon to OilMongolia.com. ___________________________________________ MONGOLIA INVESTMENT SUMMIT, LONDON, 29 APRIL-2 MAY The second annual Mongolia Investment Summit in London will be 29 April to 2 May. An additional post-summit workshop will be held, giving participants four whole days of presentations, discussions, panels and networking opportunities. Keynote speakers include Ochirbat Chuluunbat, vice minister for economic development, Dorjpurev Dulamsuren, vice minister for energy, and Clemente Cappello, chief investment officer at Sturgeon Capital BCM members can take advantage of a special 25 percent discount by using the offer code UL912BCM when registering. Register online at mongoliainvestmentsummit.com/London, call +44 (0) 207 216 6056, or email cs@resourcefulevents.com ___________________________________________ GTR‟S 3RD ANNUAL MONGOLIA TRADE & COMMODITY FINANCE CONFERENCE, BLUE SKY HOTEL, 13 MAY GTR announces that the Mongolia Trade & Commodity Finance Conference will return to Ulaanbaatar on May 13, 2014 for the third edition of this annual series. The Mongolia Trade & Commodity Finance Conference is the only event of its kind. Building on the success of the 2013 conference, which welcomed 175 delegates from 13 different countries, the 2014 event will once again provide an unrivaled platform for discussion and debate with the region‘s leading local businesses and trade finance practitioners. With its focus on Mongolia‘s mining, minerals and vast commodity-led growth, this will be the key trade gathering for the country‘s senior business leaders, providing timely insight on the challenges facing the local banking and private sectors, as well as offering perspectives from the industry‘s key supporting actors. BCM members will receive a 10% discount at registration. Please contact saruul@bcmongolia.org to get a special discount code. Click here to register, or visit exportagroup.com for more information. ___________________________________________ PPP HANDBOOK FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE STAKEHOLDERS LAUNCHED Mongolia‘s Ministry of Economic Development launched the PPP manual on 19 February 2014. Prepared with ADB support, the manual guides public and private stakeholders in the preparation of PPPs. ADB Principal PPP Specialist, Craig Sugden, stressed that Mongolian PPP environment has three strengths now: the Concession Law, the PPP implementing unit, and the handbook. In addition, the first in a series of Public Private Partnership Stakeholders Consultative Meetings to be organized quarterly by MOED was held on 21 Feb in Best Western Tuushin Hotel. Contact Innovation
  • 22. and PPP Department, MOED, Tel: 264726 for the manual. ADB has supported Mongolia‘s PPP work since 2009 and was appointed as the mandated advisor to the PPP for Combined Heat and Power Plant 5. ___________________________________________ “MM TODAY” ON MNB-TV, FRIDAY, 19:00 TO 19:10 BCM is pleased to announce that Mongolian National Broadcasting continues its cooperation with BCM on ―MM Today‖. This English news program is aired every Friday for 10 minutes and is scheduled from 19:00 to 19:10 tonight. Tune in to watch this program that reports stories from today‘s BCM NewsWire. BCM WORKING GROUP NEWS The joint BCM Education Working Group–VETP Education Working Group met on Tuesday, March 25, with 30 members attending. Saha Meyanathan/DAS/and Kern Von Hagen /OT/ moderated the session. New Member: Olga Khardaeva, PwC was welcomed. Speakers and topics were: Update on TVET and Higher Education: -Update on TVET (Mr. Saha Meyanathan, BCM Education WG co-chair; Mr. Luke Raffin. -Update on Higher Education (Ms. Nasanbayar, MoE) -PWC Academy (Ms. Olga Khardaeva, PwC) -Newsletter 1/2014 and Website/Database (Mr. Pascal Hobin, GIZ) The newly formed BCM Logistics Working Group‘s first meeting will he held 8 April at 4 PM at Express Tower, 12th floor, in the Business Plus Initiative meeting room /BPI/. Express Tower is located just west of the Central Post Office. Members with interest can still contact Erdenetsetseg at erka@bcmongolia.org to join this WG or for more information. We welcome the registered members of the Logistics Working Group to our first meeting. BCM WEBSITES MONGOLIAN WEBSITE „PRESENTATIONS‟ AND „NEWS‟ SECTIONS The ‗Presentations‘ section on BCM‘s Mongolian website can be reached via bcm.mn/itgeluud. As a key component of BCM‘s Mongolian website, articles from the ‗News‘ section and the government website Open-Government.mn are regularly updated. • ―Anti-Corruption legislation and State Policy‖ (Mongolian) by D. Munkhjargal, Prevention and Public Awareness Department, Senior Commissioner, Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC) Mongolia at the ―ANTI-CORRUPTION LEGISLATION/POLICY, INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICE ON TRANSPARENCY‖ Training seminar, Mar 06, 2014 The presentation below was made at Mongolian National University as part of the ―BCM in the University Classroom series‖ on February 27, 2014: • Ser-Od Inchinkhorloo, Vice Director, BCM, ―Investment environment: Past, Present, Future‖ (Mongolian) The presentation below is from the February 24 BCM monthly meeting: • О. Зоригт, Гүйцэтгэх захирал, Майн Инфо "Майн Инфо ХХК-ний товч танилцуулга", МБЗ-ийн 2 сарын 24-ний сарын хурал
  • 23. Dr. Khashchuluun, Executive Director, National Council of Private Sector Support, ―Taxation Impact Research‖ to BCM Tax Working Group, February 19, 2014 • ТАТВАРЫН БАГЦ ХУУЛИЙН ӨӨРЧЛӨЛТ: ХУВИЙН ХЭВШИЛД, Ч. Хашчулуун, Хувийн хэвшлийг дэмжих үндэсний зөвлөлийн гүйцэтгэх захирал 2014.02.19 20 Presentations from Coal Mongolia, 20-21 February, 2014: • Уул уурхайн сайд Д. Ганхуяг, Төрөөс Эрдэс Баялгийн Салбарт Баримтлах Бодлого, Нүүрсний Салбарыг Хөгжүүлэх Стратегийн Чиг Хандлага, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • Сангийн сайд Ч.Улаан, МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН САНГИЙН ЯАМ, Улсын төсөвт нүүрсний салбарын үзүүлэх нөлөө, татварын орчин шинэчлэл, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • Монгол орны нүүрсний салбар дахь байгаль орчны асуудал, Байгаль орчин, ногоон хөгжлийн яам, ХБОБНГ-ын дарга Д.Энхбат Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • НҮҮРСНИЙ АЖ ҮЙЛДВЭРЛЭЛИЙГ ХӨГЖҮҮЛЭХ ТЭЭВЭР ЛОЖИСТИКИЙН АСУУДЛУУД: Л.ПҮРЭВБААТАР ТӨМӨР ЗАМЫН ИНЖЕНЕРҮҮДИЙН ХОЛБООНЫ ЕРӨНХИЙЛӨГЧ, ―УУЛ УУРХАЙН БҮТЭЭГДЭХҮҮНИЙ ТЭЭВЭРЛЭЛТ‖ Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • МОНГОЛ УЛСЫН НҮҮРСНИЙ САЛБАР ДАХЬ ХӨРӨНГӨ ОРУУЛАЛТ, ХУДАЛДААНЫ ТААТАЙ ОРЧИН БҮРДҮҮЛЭХ НЬ,ЭДИЙН ЗАСГИЙН ХӨГЖЛИЙН ДЭД САЙД О.ЧУЛУУНБАТ Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • Уул уурхайн дэд сайд О. Эрдэнэбулган, Олон улсын нүүрсний зах зээл дэх Монгол улсын өрсөлдөх чадварыг нэмэгдүүлэхэд төрийн оролцоо Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • Ж. Батцэнгэл, Монголын Уул Уурхайн Корпорацийн дарга, МОНГОЛЫН НҮҮРСНИЙ САЛБАРЫН ӨНӨӨГИЙН НӨХЦӨЛ БАЙДАЛ, Тулгарч буй бэрхшээл ба шийдэх боломж Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • Аршад Саеид, Пийбоди Энержи компанийн Монгол ба Энэтхэг улсыг хариуцсан Ерөнхийлөгч, Дэлхийн нүүрсний зах зээл, Монгол улсад үзүүлэх нөлөөлөл, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20- 21. • МОЗА гүйцэтгэх захирал Ч. Хашчулуун, Занарын дэлхийн хувьсгал ба Монголын эдийн засагт үр нөлөө, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • Багануур Энержи Корпорэйшн ХХК, Нүүрс хийжүүлэх, шингэрүүлэх цогцолбор парк төслийн товч танилцуулга, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • АДУУНЧУЛУУНЫ ЦАХИЛГААН СТАНЦ, БЕНЗИНИЙ ҮЙЛДВЭРИЙН ТӨСӨЛ, Ж.Золжаргал – Төслийн удирдагч, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • Ц.Ганцог, Жени Ойл Шэйл Монголиа ХХК Гүйцэтгэх захирал, ШАТДАГ ЗАНАРЫГ АШИГЛАХ БОЛОМЖ, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • Фэн Вэй эрчим хүчний зөвлөгөө өгөх компани, 2014 оны хятадын нүүрсний зах зээлийн шинжилгээ болон үнийн таамаглал, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • Я. Батсуурь, Эрдэнэс Таван Толгой ХК, Танилцуулга, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • Хишиг Арвин Индустриал ХХК, ҮНДЭСНИЙ КОМПАНИУДЫН ТӨЛӨВШИЛ, ӨРСӨЛДӨХ ЧАДВАР, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • Виртген Групп, МОНГОЛЫН НҮҮРСНИЙ ЗАХ ЗЭЭЛ ДЭХ WIRTGEN БРЭНДИЙН SURFACE MINER БУЮУ АНГИЛАН ОЛБОРЛОГЧИЙН ТЕХНОЛОГИ БОЛОН АШИГЛАХ БОЛОМЖУУД, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • ―Тавантолгой‖ ХК-ийн Гүйцэтгэх захирал Р.Сэддорж, Дэвшилтэт технологи ба инновацийг нутагшуулах нь, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • ―УУЛ УУРХАЙН ДЭД БҮТЦИЙН ХӨРӨНГӨ ОРУУЛАЛТЫГ ДЭМЖИХ ТӨСӨЛ‖ Төслийн Зохицуулагч Б.Энхбаатар,Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • ДЭД САЙД Д.ДОРЖПҮРЭВ, Эрчим Хүчний Яам, 2014 ОНД ЭРЧИМ ХҮЧНИЙ САЛБАРЫН ХИЙГДЭХЭЭР ТӨЛӨВЛӨСӨН АЖЛУУД БОЛОН ТӨРӨӨС БАРИМТАЛЖ БУЙ БОДЛОГО, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. • Ай Эм Си Монтан Компани, Нүүрс баяжуулах талаар, Коал Монголиа 2014, 2 сарын 20-21. The below presentation is from the January 27 BCM monthly meeting: • ОЙ ХАМГААЛАЛД СУУРИЛСАН БИЗНЕС, Цэсэдийн БАНЗРАГЧ /Ph.D/, БОНЯ- ны ОЙ
  • 24. ХАМГААЛАЛ, ОЙЖУУЛАЛТЫГ ЗОХИЦУУЛАХ ХЭЛТЭСИЙН ДАРГА, МБЗ-ийн 1 сарын 27-ны гишүүдийн сарын хурал дээр ___________________________________________ ENGLISH WEBSITE: 'PRESENTATIONS', 'MONGOLIA REPORTS', „INTERVIEWS„, MONGOLIAN BUSINESS NEWS‟, „PHOTO GALLERY‟ • ―Public-Private Partnership in Mongolia: Now and Future Prospects‖, E. Enerelt, Investment Officer, ADB and Ts. Batbayar, Director of Concession Division, Ministry of Economic Development at BCM monthly meeting, March 24, 2014; • ―Areva in Mongolia: 15 years of presence – New perspectives in uranium mining‖, Thierry Plaisant, General Director, Areva Mongol at BCM monthly meeting, March 24, 2014; •―Impact of Corruption in Mongolia‖ by L. Sumati, Director of Sant Maral Foundation at the ―ANTI- CORRUPTION LEGISLATION/POLICY, INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICE ON TRANSPARENCY‖ Training seminar, Mar 06, 2014; •―Anglo American Business Integrity policy and its application within the Business Globally‖ , Dr. Graeme Hancock, President and Chief Representative Mongolia of Anglo American at the ―ANTI- CORRUPTION LEGISLATION/POLICY, INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICE ON TRANSPARENCY‖ Training seminar, Mar 06, 2014; •Change of the package of taxation laws: private sector, Dr. Ch. Khashchuluun, Executive Director, National Council for Private Sector Support, at the BCM`s Tax working group's meeting Feb 19, 2014; •Economic and Capital Markets Update, Nick Cousyn, Chief Operating Officer, BDSec at the BCM Monthly Meeting, Feb 24, 2014 15 Presentations at Coal Mongolia, February 20-21: •Impact of Coal Sector on Government's Budget and the Taxation Regime , Ch. Ulaan, Minister of Finance, MINISTRY OF FINANCE OF MONGOLIA •Environmental issues in Mongolian coal mining sector, D.Enkhbat Ministry of Environment and Green Development, Head of Environment and Natural Resources Department •COAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS ISSUES: PRESENTATION TOPIC: TRANSPORTATION OF THE MINING PRODUCT" Purevbaatar Luvsandagva, Head, Association of Railway Engineering of Mongolia •INVESTMENT INTO MONGOLIAN COAL MINING SECTOR AND CREATING AN ATTRACTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE, VICE MINISTER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, O. Chuluunbat, Vice Minister, Ministry of Economic Development •Government Involvement and Support to Enhance the Mongolian Competitiveness in Coal Sector, O. Erdenebulgan, Vice Minister of Mining •MONGOLIAN COAL INDUSTRY, Overcoming challenges in volatile market conditions, G.Battsengel, Director, Mongolian Mining Corporation •Global Coal Markets and Implications for Mongolia , Arshad Sayed, President of Mongolia & India, Peabody Energy • Introduction of CTL Plant Project, T. Munkhtur, Baganuur Energy Corporation • ADUUNCHULUUN POWER AND CTL PROJECT, J.Zoljargal, Project Manager, MAK • OIL SHALE OPPORTUNITIES IN MONGOLIA, Ts.Gantsog, Executive Director, Genie Oil Shale Mongolia • China Coal Market Lookout 2014, Fenwei Energy Consulting • Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC, Y. Batsuuri, CEO • WIRTGEN SURFACE MINING TECHNOLOGY AND CHALLENGES IN COAL IN MONGOLIA by Wirtgen Group • "MINING INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT SUPPORT PROJECT", Project Coordinator, B. Enkhbaatar at the Coal Mongolia 2014, Feb 20-21. • Coal Processing by IMC Montan.
  • 25. The following presentations are from the January 27 BCM monthly meeting: - "The year 2014 starts with new IPO on the Mongolian Stock Exchange", Richard Kobayashi, CEO, Standard Investment LLC - "IMA Consultancy Services for Investors and Account Manager's Role", D. Irmuun, Director of Division for Promotion and Consultancy Services, Invest Mongolia Agency The following have been added to Interview Section: • Jim Dwyer, Executive Director, BCM: ―Minerals Policy‖; • D. Bayasgalan, Director of Golomt Bank: ―Golomt has no problem‖; • From the Oxford Business Group, Mongolia Reports 2013 book; • B. Byambasaikhan, Chairman, BCM: ―Talk is cheap‖; • President Ts. Elbegdorj: ―Diversifying for growth‖; • Jim Dwyer, Executive Director, BCM: ―Non-mining sectors budding‖; • Peter Morrow, Chairman, American University of Mongolia: ―Filling in the blanks‖; • N. Zoljargal, Governor, Bank of Mongolia: ―Sustainable vision‖; • Gansukh, Minister of Roads and Transportation: ―Accessing new markets‖; • J. Od, President, MCS Group: ―Building interest‖. BCM's English website includes the ―Mongolia Business News‖ section. Mongolia Reports section: • 2014 Article IV staff report for Mongolia by International Monetary Fund; • BCM comments on draft Amendments to the Minerals Law made to Mr. D. Gankhuyag, the Minister of Mining, February, 2014; • BCM Open Letter to Parliament and Government is available for download. BCM continuously posts news stories and analysis of relevance to Mongolia at ‗Mongolian Business News‖ before they are all put together each week for Friday's weekly NewsWire. The ―Photo Gallery‖ contains photos from the 6th Anniversary BCM Renewal dinner on November 11, 2013. BCM Football Cup 2013 pictures are posted to the website - http://bcmongolia.org/en/photos/350- en/album?albumid=200 The BCM NewsWire will continue to be issued each Friday, incorporating items already on the home page for a consolidated account of the week‘s events. SOCIAL NETWORK WITH BCM BCM LAUNCHES NEW LINKED-IN COMPANY PAGE The Business Council of Mongolia has launched a new company page on the social networking website LinkedIn to network its members and followers including small-medium enterprises (SMEs). The new page will allow BCM to alert followers to the latest news and information critical to their businesses. Members‘ businesses will be promoted. Additionally, BCM plans to deliver monthly infographics on the latest data as well as videos and other media content as they come. The bulk of the content on the new page will be in Mongolian language to better cater to BCM's Mongolian- speaking audience and members. The following link can direct you to the new BCM's Linked-in page. http://www.linkedin.com/company/business-council-of-mongolia?trk=company_logo The Business Council of Mongolia (BCM) has expanded its reach to your favorite social networks.
  • 26. Keep up to date on the latest business deals in Mongolia and how the climate for investment is improving each day with BCM. Add BCM on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheBusinessCouncilOfMongolia to read the latest announcements and comment on events carried in the NewsWire with the community. Hear breaking news and announcements as they happen when you follow BCM on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bcmongolia. Social stats: BCM now has 5,266 fans on our Facebook fans page, 1,620 connections on LinkedIn network, and 997 followers on Twitter. Of course for news information, interviews, event photos, and announcements regarding our organization, visit the official BCM website at http://bcmongolia.org/en/ BCM IN THE UNIVERSITY CLASSROOM NEWS Business Council of Mongolia (BCM) has been progressing with its BCM in the University Classroom series since March 2012. Led by BCM‘s Education Working Group, the program provides lectures at universities to help inspire students and give them direction for their future careers. The series has grown to include an average of 10 lectures per academic year. Now 1,293 students and teachers have participated with BCM in the University Classroom Project. Next BCM in the University Classroom series will be on 8 April at the (IF&E). Mr. Nick Cousyn, COO, BDSec will speak -- "Update of Mongolian Capital Markets". ECONOMIC INDICATORS
  • 28. INFLATION Year 2006 6.0% [source: National Statistical Office of Mongolia (NSOM)] Year 2007 *15.1% [source: NSOM] Year 2008 *22.1% [source: NSOM] Year 2009 *4.2% [source: NSOM] Year 2010 *13.0% [source: NSOM] Year 2011 *10.2% [source: NSOM] Year 2012 *14.0% [source: NSOM] Year 2013 *12.5% [source: NSOM] February 28, 2014 *12.2% [source: NSOM] *Year-over-year (y-o-y), nationwide Note: 12.0% y-o-y, Ulaanbaatar city, February 28, 2014 CENTRAL BANK POLICY LOAN RATE December 31, 2008 9.75% [source: IMF] March 11, 2009 14.00% [source: IMF] May 12, 2009 12.75% [source: IMF] June 12, 2009 11.50% [source: IMF] September 30, 2009 10.00% [source: IMF] May 12, 2010 11.00% [source: IMF] April 28, 2011 11.50% [source: IMF] August 25, 2011 11.75% [source: IMF] October 25, 2011 12.25% [source: IMF] March 19, 2012 12.75% [source: Mongol Bank] April 18, 2012 13.25% [source: Mongol Bank] January 25, 2013 12.50% [source: Mongol Bank] April 8, 2013 11.50% [source: Mongol Bank] June 25, 2013 10.50% [source: Mongol Bank] CURRENCY RATES – 27 MARCH 2014 Currency Name Currency Rate US dollar USD 1,784.28 Euro EUR 2,457.49 Japanese yen JPY 17.48 British pound GBP 2,957.53 Hong Kong dollar HKD 229.99 Chinese Yuan CNY 287.25 Russian Ruble RUB 50.12 South Korean won KRW 1.67 Disclaimer: Except for reporting on BCM‘s activities, all information in the BCM NewsWire is selected from various news sources. Opinions are those of the respective news sources.