Monday, January 30, 2017. № 2030 (3043)
SYMPOSIUM DISCUSSES NATIONAL SECURITY INDUSTRY REFORMATION
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Parliamentary Standing committee on Security and Foreign Policy and ‘Ulaanbaatar’ Policy Research Center are co-organizing a two-day symposium themed ‘Industrial reformation of national security and governance: civil organizations”, starting today, January 30.
“The rapid changes observed in internal and external situation of Mongolia and ensued circumstances in the last 26 years since Mongolia reformed its polity, state structure and economy are strongly affecting the industrial renovation of national security, bringing not only achievements but also challenges and risks”, said J.Enkhbayar, Head of the Standing committee during his opening speech.
Gathering Mongolian scholars, experts and specialists working in the respective areas of security, foreign relations and strategic research, the roundtable meeting aims to facilitate a discussion on the new circumstances arising on the international arena, challenges to Mongolia’s state policy to guarantee national security and the role of executive governance and civil organizations in the renovation of national security industry; and frame science-based recommendations on how to improve the functions and policy directed at ensuring national security.
During the symposium, a compilation titled ‘National security industry of Mongolia: Almanac 2017’ co-published by the Parliamentary Standing committee on Security and Foreign Policy and ‘Ulaanbaatar’ Policy Research Center was released.
The symposium is attended by a foreign guest, Dr. Philipp Fluri, Assistant Director and Head of Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, Central Asia Division of the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces.
Tomorrow, the symposium will be participated by representatives of army, defense sector and law enforcement organizations.
Kh.Aminaa
MAYOR INTRODUCES HIS PLAN FOR AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ On January 27, the Citizen’s Representative Khural of Ulaanbaatar held its 7th meeting to address timely matters such as measures taken against air pollution and implementation of a recommendation issued by National Security Council.
The meeting began as Mayor of Ulaanbaatar S.Batbold reported on the past measures he took and his action plan for the near future. For the past 10 years or in 2007-2016, MNT 119 billion 779 million has been allocated from the capital city budget to tackle air pollution, and MNT 87 billion 187 million from foreign aid. In total, MNT 206 billion 964 million has been spent for the last 10 years in an attempt to reduce air pollution in Ulaanbaatar.
Major projects funded by this investment include a project to promote production of eco-friendly fuel, a project to reduce pollutants produced by vehicles, ‘Coal’ program and 97,000 improved stoves project.
The Mayor then introduced the measures he has taken since his appointment such as issuance of face masks to students and air purifiers to kindergartens, a decision to zero night-time electricity charge, and three ordinances directed at reducing air pollution.
The Mayor’s report continued with his upcoming measures against air pollution such as introduction of hybrid buses, banning diesel engines, improving vehicle diagnostic tests, stopping the consumption of raw coal, building new power plant, having a statute of Ulaanbaatar approved, halting coal retail, and increasing renewable energy generation. The meeting concluded with adoption of a scheme for the next 3 months to be realized by the City Administration.
Kh.Aminaa
ROAD EN ROUTE ULAANBAATAR-DARKHAN TO BE RENEWED
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Minister of Road and Transport Development D.Ganbat and relevant officials got acquainted with situation of paved-road en route Ulaanbaatar- Darkhan. The minister D.Ganbat stated that the road would be renovated soon, as it has a high risk of traffic accident.
“ - There are two high-traffic roads en routes Ulaanbaatar-Nalaikh and Ulaanbaatar- Darkhan. 230 km Ulaanbaatar-Darkhan road is in situation that it has critical traffic overload. Traffic accident rate is high in the area. Therefore, we plan to immediately renovate this road by extending its lanes to four and paving with cement concrete. National cement product will be used for the refurbishment” said the Minister. The current road belongs to fourth class road and the renewed road would be first class.
Some 3500-3800 vehicles cross through the road a day, while it has a daily capacity of 600. The road has several point areas, including Bornuur Bridge, TahiltMountainpass, SeterhiinHotol passage, where visible environment is poor and areas around Tsaidam Valley or at the point of 200 km from Ulaanbaatar the road are seriously broken due to soil texture of that area.
Preparations including approval of standard of cement concrete pavement in cold seasons and making blueprint of the road will be made from now to make it ready to start the road renovation work as soon as weather gets warmer. All possible resources will be used to finance the renovation in addition to looking for domestic and foreign investment.
B.Ooluun
AUTHORITIES DISCUSS ISSUES OF KHUVSGUL NAT’L PARK ON SITE
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Minister of Environment and Tourism D.Oyunkhorol, Chief of Interpretation, Education and Volunteers at the US National Park Service Tom Medema and the consultant to the Lake Khuvsgul National Park of Mongolia Robert Mcintosh along with representatives of some NGOs worked in Khuvsgul province on January 27-29. They organized a discussion on the pressing issues facing the area around Lake Khuvsgul.
Presentations were given at the discussion about implementation of the project assisted by the Asian Development Bank, and the operations of the National Park Authority of Mongolia and the Information and Research Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environment at the national park.
Also, the Minister held a meeting with citizens of Khatgal settlement and gave insight to government policies toward the local development, environment protection and tourism. The citizens also sounded their opinions. The local administrators noted that, although the local administration has been trying its best to contribute to the development of one of the main tourist attractions of Mongolia, the finance and budget issues are not in its favor. Therefore, the leaders have been working to solve the problem by collaborating with international projects, being realized in the area.
Minister D.Oyunkhorol emphasized the importance of coherence of actions and collaboration of government, local management and international partners in preserving the pristinity of Lake Khuvsgul, hailed as the Switzerland of Mongolia.
Tourists are mainly attracted to Lake Khuvsgul for the unique landscape and the extraordinary nomadic lifestyle and traditions, the lake offers. As of today, a total of 118 individuals and companies are granted special permits from the government to run tour operations in 561.74 ha area within the Lake Khuvsgul National Park. A study shows that 38 companies out of the above have been operating actively and accumulating approximately MNT 7.0 million to the local budget per year.
Citizens of Khatgal settlement put forward requests on upgrading Khatgal’s status from settlement to soum, mobilizing the international tourism and waste management standards, and improving working conditions of gamekeepers and park rangers.
The Minister pledged to submit the request on upgrading Khatgal’s status to the cabinet, and resolved to allocate MNT 10.0 million for re-decoration of the Cultural Centre of Khatgal and undefined amount of financing for eco-system research to reduce desertification and climate change.
Minister D.Oyunkhorol applauded the activities, run by Mongolian Ecology Center NGO among the pupils of Khatgal to train future gamekeepers, and handed presents to the organizers and donated MNT 3.0 million in support of continuation of their programme.
B.Amarsaikhan
S.ERDENE ELECTED NEXT CHAIRMAN OF DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Member of Parliament S.Erdene was elected the chairman of the Democratic Party, as a result of the Democratic Party Chairmanship election took place on Sunday. Leaders of the DP officially announced the election result on January 30.
The Democratic Party, the opposition in the Mongolian Parliament, organized its first all-member election, which received ballots from members in 21 provinces and nine districts of Ulaanbaatar city, with a total of 30 polling stations.
S.Erdene claimed victory in 12 polling units, while his strongest rival and former Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag won majority of votes in 10 units. Most votes were casted for S.Erdene in Tuv (Central) province.
The Democratic Party held its VI Assembly on December 6-7, 2016, with 1,210 attendees, representing its all 180 thousand members. Most of the attendees voted for selecting the chairman through all-member election. The candidates were the former Minister of Industry D.Erdenebat, former Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag, S.Erdene MP, former Minister of Education L.Gantumur and J.Batzandan MP.
The all-member election for DP Chairman completed on January 29, having collected ballots at 361 polling stations, with 70 percent voter turnout.
B.Amarsaikhan
INDIAN AMBASSADOR VISITS MONTSAME NEWS AGENCY
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Mongolia Suresh Babu visited MONTSAME News agency today, January 30, and met with B.Ganchimeg, Director General of the agency.
At the meeting, sides touched upon the age-old relationship between Mongolia and India which has been forwarded to a strategic partnership level following Indian Prime Minister NarendraModi’s state visit to Mongolia in 2015, cooperation in capacity building between MONTSAME and the Republic of India, and opportunities for expanding the present level of cooperation.
The reason for the Ambassador’s visit was a proposal for an institutional agreement between the news agencies of Mongolia and India so as to deepen bilateral relations. According to the Ambassador, deeper media cooperation will result in an improved mutual projection of the countries.
Being the only state-run news agency of Mongolia, MONTSAME News agency signed an agreement of cooperation with Indian state news agency PTI in 2002. The sides agreed that the agreement should be enhanced in compliance with the current scenario, and also that the Embassy will look into the issue of broader technological cooperation. Possibility of mutual visits by media delegation was also touched upon for further consideration.
Ambassador Babu remarked about the spiritual bond between Mongolia and India which predates 1955 when the countries established diplomatic relations whereas Director General Ganchimeg talked about the role of media in increasing mutual exposure in regard to tourism industry, saying that ‘MONTSAME is ready to serve as a bridge between the two countries’.
The Ambassador informed that Mongolian Airlines (MIAT) is currently studying the feasibility of a direct flight between Ulaanbaatar and New Delhi which would open doors to many new areas and opportunities for further development of bilateral ties. “Being a state news agency, MONTSAME is responsible for promoting Mongolia’s business environment and tourism and market potentials”, Director Ganchimed said.
Director Ganchimeg invited the Ambassador for an interview for MONTSAME’s ‘Mongolia Today’ quarterly magazine which he accepted. The sides agreed to make efforts directed at intensifying the present relationship, and bringing Mongolia and India closer through media collaboration.
Kh.Aminaa
MONGOLIAN NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO TELEVISION APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ National Council of Mongolian National Public Radio Television has conducted and concluded an election to choose its new Director General.
Following the first stage selection, B.Undraa, D.Tsondovdorj and L.Ninjjamts, acting Director General were distinguished out of 9 candidates, and as a result of an open process, NinjjamtsLuvsandash received the highest score, thus becoming the new Director General of the Mongolian National Public Radio Television.
Mongolian National Public Radio and Television is the only state-run broadcaster in Mongolia, offering both television and radio services. The television services consist of two channels – Mongolian National Broadcaster (MNB) and MNB News. The radio services include three domestic radio channels and one international channel.
The new Director General holds a Master’s degree in law, and has worked in Mongolian media industry for about 20 years. She worked as Editor-in-Chief of Mongolian ‘Mirror’ newspaper in 1996-1998, Executive Director of Mongolian Newspapers Association in years 1998-2006 and 2007-2009, Head of the Administration of Mongolian National Public Radio Television in 2006-2007, Head of Press Division of Cabinet Secretariat in 2009-2010, Advisor to the Director of National Development and Innovation Committee in 2010-2011, and Editor-in-Chief of ‘Morning News’ newspaper in 2011-2016.
Kh.Aminaa
MONGOLIA STARTS MANUFACTURING STEEL BALL AT HOME
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Steel ball manufacturing plant was opened at Darkhan Metallurgical Plant on January 28. The plant manufactures steel balls with 100-140 mm diameter by forging method and within this year, steel balls with 60-80 mm diameter will be manufactured using casting method.
Darkhan Metallurgical Plant used to produce steel ball semis of 300-350 thousand tons and export to China, while some mineral processing companies has imported steel balls of USD180-200 thousand annually from China.
“- We are proud that we now can manufacture value added final product. Our plant is the first biggest steel ball manufacturing plant, using hammering method. It has control system and is fully automated, and eco-friendly. Basic facilities and equipment is supplied from German ‘Schuler Group”, which has 177 years of history. When plant with casting method starts operating, the two plants will have annual capacity of 55-60 thousand tons and we will provide some 80 per cent of domestic demand. Therefore, money outflow of USD60 million will be stopped and remain in the country. It is estimated that over 100 new jobs will be created. Our high quality products meet euro standard, allow our customers to save their cost by 15-30 per cent” said Executive Director of the plant D.Batjavkhlan.
The plant expects its new product to be used mainly in Oyutolgoi and Erdenet, copper and gold mine and processing plant. Minister of Construction and Urban Development G.Munkhbayar attended the opening ceremony and said that the Government stated in its action plan that it would boost industrialization and job creation, thus, the Government will support and cooperate with Darkhan Metallurgical Plant. “-Job creation and stable employment is vital. I hope we will supply our steel demand in construction sector fully at home very soon”.
Darkhan Metallurgical Plant was built in 1990 and it owns the Tumurtolgoi, Tumurtei and Khust iron ore deposits.
B.Ooluun
ANIMAL SKIN PROCESSING ENTERPRISE IN GER
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ A small enterprise to process sheep and goat has started its operation in a Ger in Bayankhongoraimag.
MP G.Zandanshatar supported some local citizens of his elected constituency to develop SME, providing skin processing machine and organizing training for them. The training involved six soums, namely Shinejins, Jinst, Bayanlig, Bogd, Bayangobi and Ulziit.
“- Herders income and livelihood have worsened last years due to price fall of animal originated raw materials, such as animal skins and hides nationwide. I will do my best to support to expand the SME” said MP G.Zandanshatar.
B.Ooluun
PUBLIC HOSPITALS’ HOURS EXTENDED
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ State clinical hospitals will work between 08:30 am and 08:00 p.m, starting February 1, according to an ordinance of Health Minister.
Hospitals to work extended hours include the First Central Hospital, the Third Central Hospital named after P.N.Shastin, the National Cancer Centre and the National Center for Maternal and Child Health. The National Traumatology Center will work extended hours starting March 01, as its ambulatory is under renovation.
The Minister’s ordinance issued due to outbreak of influenza and it is not yet clear for how long time the extended hours will be followed. However, the hospitals are expected to work in regular schedule by mid or late of March, depending on influenza outbreak situation, reported the Health Ministry.
B.Ooluun
SECOND PROTEST AGAINST SMOG TAKES PLACE
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ A protest requesting substantial actions from the government against smog took place at the Central Square on January 28. The protest leader Ts.Purevkhuu said “More than 5000 parents have joined the protest. We’ve handed out 10 thousand petition papers. The total number of protestors will be known by the signature”.
By the request of “Anti-Smog Union of Fathers and Mothers” NGO, City Representative Khural reported on January 27, total of MNT 3.2 billion have been installed to the capital budget to decrease air pollution. And the installation of MNT 5 billion on state budget is lower compared to the previous years. The related officials said to mobilize what they have at hand.
B.Tugsbilig
GOBI CAMEL HERDERS GATHER
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ On January 23-24, a conference of Mongolian camel herders in the Gobi region was co-organized by the Governor’s Office in Bayangobisoum of Bayankhongoraimag, Department of Food and Agriculture of the aimag, and the Association of Pasture users in Bayankhongoraimag.
The conference aims at bringing camel herders in the Gobi region together and giving opportunities for young herders to learn experiences of grazing method as well as protection and use of pasture lands from seasoned camel herders.
On the second day of the conference, competitions of “Race of Young camels”, “Couple with Beautiful Camel” and “Beautiful male camel” were organized among the camel herders. The participants of the conference exchanged views and released recommendation on issues faced by herder communities, such as preparation of combed wool, putting them on the market, preserving pasturelands and supporting dairy farmers.
The conference was attended by representatives of ‘Pasture-Green Gold” project by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Association of Pasture Users, researchers and about 60 camel herders from Bayankhongor province.
B.Oyundelger
“BOLORTSOM” AWARD NAMED ITS WINNER
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ 34th “Bolortsom” poetry competition was held in Dornodaimag on January 25. The winning poet B.Batsaikhan, native of Ongonsoum, Sukhbaataraimag has brought the cup for the very first time to Sukhbaataraimag.
B.Batsaikhan has won the second stage of the competition with his “Unchinayalguu/ Orphaned Melody” poem and third stage with his “That woman” poem. From his variety of heart-warming poetry, “Sun rising land”, “Loving country”, “My homeland”, “Sun never sets in my country” have become a proud song for the natives of Sukhbaatar and for Mongolians.
Among the top 30 poets in 34th “Bolortsom”, three of them were from Sukhbaatar aimag.
B.Tugsbilig
MONGOLIA WINS BRONZE AT INTERNATIONAL SNOW SCULPTING TOURNAMENT
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ A team of Mongolian ice-carving artists led by G.Mukh- Erdene won third place from the 27th annual “Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships” taking place in Colorado, US.Two teams from Mongolia are attending succesfully and both of them awarded “Artist choice awards” at the championships. The Team Mongolia led by Munkh-Erdene placed at third with their “We are One Family,” a piece that reflected the idea of animals coexisting with humans and nature.
The competition is being attended by ice sculptors from the US, China, India, Sweden, Great Britain, Turkey, Mexico, Italy, Ireland, German, Finland and Mongolia and their artworks will be displayed until February 5 to the public.
Previously, the team of Mongolian ice sculptors earned one silver and three bronze medals from the 31st Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival held from December 31 to January 4 in China. The Mongolian sculptures displayed Mongolian traditional culture and heritages through their artworks addressing the issue of environmental protection.
B.Oyundelger
MONGOLIAN BANDY TEAM BRINGS HOME BRONZE MEDAL
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Mongolian team won bronze medal from the 2017 Bandy World Championship held in Sweden on January 24-29.
It is the first medal of the Mongolian national bandy team from the world championship and they won in the preliminary rounds of the Pool A of division B against Japan (10:2), Hungary (9:5) and Ukraine (9:6). The Mongolian team of bandy was selected in the fourth place of the Bandy World Championship of last year.
Teams of Russia, Sweden, Finland, USA, Germany, Norway, Belarus and Kazakhstan competed in the Division A in the championships and teams of Canada, China, Czech, Hungary, Japan and Mongolia were challened in the Division B this year. .
The Bandy World Championship has been organizing since 1957 and Mongolia has attended nine times since 2006.
B.Oyundelger
STOCK EXCHANGE WEEKLY REVIEW (JANUARY 23 - 27)
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ At the Stock Exchange trades during the week, five bonds costing MNT 8 billion 745 million 692 thousand 418 were traded and approximately MNT 1.7 billion transactions were made daily.
Actively traded shares:
1. “TavanTolgoi” /84 million 248 thousand 221/,
2. “Mongolian Post” /43 million 159 thousand 438/,
3. “APU” /32 million, 358 thousand 764/,
4. “Gobi” /19 million 921 thousand 490/, “
5. “HB oil” /18 million 768 thousand 212/
Actively traded securities:
1. “BDSekUTsK” /97 million 871 thousand 620/,
2. “TDB Capital UTsK” /58 million 927 thousand 561/,
3. “Ard capital UTsK” /50 million 274 thousand 569/,
4. “Gauli Securities” /47 million 521 thousand 721/
Government securities:
1. “Tenger capital UTsK” /6 billion 384 million 918 thousand 732/,
2. “BDSekUTsK” /1 billion 207 million 526 thousand 580/,
3. “Standard Investment UTsK” /763 million 452 thousand/,
4. “TDB Capital UTsK” /84 million 658 thousand 344/,
5. “Daewoo securities Mongolia UTsK” /32 million 319 thousand 468/
The total market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 451 billion 906 million 631 thousand and 328.62. The index of Top-20 JSCs was 12,371.12, decreased by 0.38% and the all index of MSE was 845.33, decreased by 0.75%.
Source: Mongolian Stock Exchange weekly trading summary
B.Tugsbilig
JANUARY 30 EVENTS
Following events are expected on Monday.
10 AM: Signing ceremony for multilateral mutual recognition agreements of ILAC to be held at Mongolian agency for Standardization and Metrology’s conference room.
11 AM: Press conference for “Overall results of Mongolian judicial proceedings of 2017” takes place at the Judicial General Council of Mongolia.
11.10 AM: Introduction meeting for “Ikh, BagaBaynsharga” NGO to be held at Open Society Forum.
11 AM: Press conference by “MunkhTengeriinOnis” center at the National Information center.
12 PM: Press briefing on the results of election for the head of Democratic party to will be held at Chinggis Hall of State house.
12 PM: Head of City Representative Khural, Ts.Sandui is to meet the heads of Capital Investment and Capital Procurement at Khangarid palace.
13 PM: Students to protest on the increase of tuition fee in front of the first building of NUM (National University of Mongolia)
B.Tugsbilig