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Mongolia Seeks Mineral Assets IPO

hidodorj — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:05:40 -0500

Prime Minister Batbold Sukhbaatar wants to pursue an initial public offering of Mongolia's state-owned mineral assets on an international stock exchange as a way to generate more revenue from natural resources, which have recently attracted a flood of foreign investment to the country.

3 Vote(s)

Mongolia Debates How to Turn Crisis into Opportunity

hidodorj — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:00:27 -0500

The recent crisis laid bare the cracks in Mongolia's mineral dependent economy, and the World Bank has set up a program to support the country through these times

As part of the program, the Bank supported a series of events with government policymakers, parliamentarians, business representatives, civil society and global experts to address the country's economic challenges

Mongolia looks to learn from countries experienced in managing mining revenue, like Chile

3 Vote(s)

NYTimes: New Prime Minister Confirmed

hidodorj — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:19:25 -0500

The New York Times confirms Batbold has won the vote and will be the new prime minister of Mongolia, after S. Bayar resigned due to health problems. Let's see if he is able to keep the coalition - and the party - together.

3 Vote(s)

Draft Agreement on Oyu Tolgoi Investment Will be Signed Before Naadam

hidodorj — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:42:12 -0400

"Oyu Tolgoi draft agreement will be discussed, adopted by the State Great Khural and the Government will be granted with power to sign on it very soon" says an official who is close to the development around the issue. According to his talks, Oyu tolgoi agreement will be adopted before Naadam Festival and the Government might sign on it before the end of July.

3 Vote(s)

Perspectives on the Mining deal by international economist D.Davaasambuu

hidodorj — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:16:54 -0400

Former UK ambassador Davaasambuu has some interesting perspectives on the current agreement: "It is not that we are procrastinating and they are in a hurry"

3 Vote(s)

New Mongolian president could open mining - UPI.com

hidodorj — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 03:02:21 -0400

A positive though bit naive article on Elbegdorj as the new president and what it will bring Mongolia.

4 Vote(s)

World Bank Boss Urges Transparency to Attract Private Investment | Mongolia Web News

hidodorj — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:06:22 -0400

In a public address in Ulaanbaatar last week, Dr. Juan Jose Daboub, the World Bank's managing director for operations in 74 countries, said, "Mongolia has managed the transition of its economy and politics since 1991 very well, but the impact on the country of the present global economic crisis has revealed the need for continued reforms." During a three-day visit to Mongolia Mr. Daboub met Government officials, parliamentarians, members of the business community, civil society, and other development partners, in addition to seeing first-hand how the crisis has hit the most vulnerable in Ulaanbaatar as well as in Mongolia's outlying rural communities.

5 Vote(s)

Mongolia ranks at 15th in the world with its uranium reserve.

hidodorj — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:18:01 -0400

There is one sentence that really puzzles me:
"MP Z.Enkhbold, the Chairman of the Committee, put question about the possibilities of Mongolia becoming one of the leading 5 nations with uranium reserve."
Does this mean they want to increase the Uranium in the ground? Pimp the numbers? I mean, there isn't much you can do about how much Uranium there is underneath your surface. Or is reserve th Uranium that has already been taken out?

3 Vote(s)

Mongolian Matters » Google News Location: Mongolia

hidodorj — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:00:28 -0400

Google News adds a new feature where you can indicate the location of where the news story takes place

3 Vote(s)

Museeuw will learn Mongolians cyclo-cross

hidodorj — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:25:40 -0400

A Belgian champion cyclo-crosser will take for Mongolian riders under his wing.

Cyclo crossing is a form of bicycle racing. Races take place typically in the autumn and winter (the international or "World Cup" season is September-January), and consists of many laps of a short (2.5-3.5 km or 1.5-2 mile) course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike whilst navigating the obstruction and remount in one motion

The article is a Google translate of a Dutch language article. Cyclo-cross is translated as field drive or veld rides

3 Vote(s)

Crisis reverberates deep into Mongolian steppe

hidodorj — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:46:21 -0400

Mongolians abroad are sending less money back, cashmere price has dropped and so have all the metals. This is the grimm pictures Reuters paints.

4 Vote(s)

Moody's ends Mongolia review for possible rating cut

hidodorj — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:42:16 -0400

Moody's Investors Service is so influential that non-news turns into news. They are NOT downgrading Mongolia's sovereign B1 rating. Go read all about it.

2 Vote(s)

8444 Mormons in Mongolia

hidodorj — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:00:23 -0400

This Brigham Young University-Hawaii release claims the number of Mormon or LDS church members in Mongolia at 8444

2 Vote(s)

The Tsahim Urtuu Scholarship Winners

hidodorj — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:55:59 -0400

The Tsahim Urtuu Holboo NGO is pleased to announce the names of three outstanding high school graduates of Hazara heritage who have been selected to receive full undergraduate scholarships to pursue studies at the prestigious National University of Mongolia on this blessed day of May 31, 2009 - the 10th year anniversary of global Mongolian Tsahim Urtuu Network (E-Station Network).

The initial account was to offer two scholarship awards that were available for the 2009-2013 academic years; however, with careful consideration of each applicant, the members of the Committee have decided to make an exception this year and award an additional third candidate with the scholarship.

2 Vote(s)

To Mongolia: Bulgan Border Crossing now open for tourists

hidodorj — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:21:55 -0400

The Bulgan border crossing in west Mongolia is now open for tourists.

The crossing route will connect Bulgan in Khuvd soum in west Mongolia
with the Chinese town of Tarkshken in the Qinghe County located in
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

2 Vote(s)

Mineral Law of Mongolia would be amended

hidodorj — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:21:33 -0400

MP D.Gankhuyag, B.Bat-Erdene, G.Bayarsaikhan, Ts.Davaasuren, Z.Enkhbold presented a draft amendment to the Mineral Law of Mongolia to Mr D.Demberel, the Speaker of the State Great Khural.

2 Vote(s)

Ming Holden: Witnessing Mongolia's Election

hidodorj — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:23:19 -0400

Late May proffered its usual hail, rain, snow, and high-80's sunlight in the same day. In the upscale Nayra Cafe, the largely foreign clientele were instructed that Thursday's internet password was "Elbegdorj." Ganbat, the author leading the latest effort at forming a Mongolian Center of International PEN, sported the inked forefinger of a citizen who had voted when I had lunch with him. Neither the top lawyer at the Ministry of Justice nor the young Mongolians I am friends with did much but shrug when I asked them to opine on the election results. "It's fine, but the other guy would have been just about as fine," seems the general opinion, as far as I can see. But then again, I have the eyes of only one person.

3 Vote(s)

Travel Advise for Mongolia: Exercise high degree of caution

hidodorj — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:21:33 -0400

According to the advise:

Canadians should exercise caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places. Tourist facilities are available in Ulaanbaatar, but limited elsewhere.

Crime against foreigners has increased significantly over the past few months.

3 Vote(s)

Date for Swearing In Elbegdorj Still Undecided | Mongolia Web News

hidodorj — Sun, 31 May 2009 14:42:14 -0400

According to the Presidential Election Law, within 30 days after the Election takes place the General Election Committee must submit the result to Ikh Khural for the approval of new President's rights. As it is prescribed in Presidential Law of Mongolia, within 30 days after Ikh Khural confirms the result and approves the Law and the new President must take an oath. Also the oath ceremony and date shall be determined by Ikh Khural. 30 day is the maximum limit. Therefore, if everything is prepared he can take an oath at any time.

2 Vote(s)

Mongolia Noted as Example of Religious Liberty

hidodorj — Sat, 30 May 2009 12:19:44 -0400

Benedict XVI called Mongolia an example of religious liberty when he received the country's new ambassador to the Holy See.
The Pope said this today in a written statement he gave to Danzannorov Boldbaatar. The Pontiff received the envoy in an audience together with seven other ambassadors representing Mongolia, Benin, New Zealand, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Namibia and Norway. He addressed the eight as a group, and then gave each one a written statement that addressed concerns particular to each county.

In his address to Boldbaatar, the Holy Father noted that Mongolia's constitution, introduced in 1992, recognizes religious liberty as a "fundamental right."

2 Vote(s)

Report 2005: State of Democracy in Mongolia

hidodorj — Thu, 28 May 2009 04:34:11 -0400

An interesting background report on the establishment of democracy in Mongolia by the Human Rights Centre of the University of Essex.

The link is to the Google generated html version. A link to the original pdf is included

2 Vote(s)

Throwing Shoes at Elbegdorj: New Mongolian President Gets "Bush in Iraq" Treatment

hidodorj — Thu, 28 May 2009 01:51:16 -0400

A guy throws his shoes at Elbegdorj later explains:
"I was drunk and at one point I had threw my shoes. I did not have any intentions. Just wanted to throw. When President George W.Bush visited Iraq, he was thrown a shoe as well."

2 Vote(s)

US Embassy Supports Amarbayasgalant through Arts Council

hidodorj — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:49:02 -0400

Ulaanbaatar, /MONTSAME/ The U.S. Embassy has announced that it will contribute $86,200 to the Arts Council of Mongolia for preservation of the 18th Century Amarbaysgalant Monastery.
These funds are provided through the U.S. Ambassador?s Fund for Cultural Preservation, and will be used to help protect the monastery from the serious dangers of fire and theft. The Arts Council will begin work on this project in June 2009.
Amarbayasgalant Monastery is a crutial part of Mongolia?s cultural and historical heritage. Almost 250 years old, it is one of the few remaining historical wooden architectural structures in the country. The Ambassador's Fund project will provide for a comprehensive assessment of the monastery?s fire safety and security systems, development of architectural drawings, development of plans for new electrical and security camera systems, installation of fire extinguishers and fire safety equipment, and documentation and registration of cultural artifacts and manuscripts preserved at the monastery.
Since 2002, the Fund has contributed $175,000 to fund cultural preservation in Mongolia. Three projects have targeted archaeological sites, two have helped preserve monasteries, and one helped support a collection of folk, artistic, and traditional literary and local dialectical treasures of Mongolia?s pastoral nomads.
The Ambassador?s Fund for Cultural Preservation was established in 2001, and since then has supported more than 500 projects to preserve cultural heritage in more than 100 countries. Together, the Fund has contributed more than $16 million towards global cultural preservation.

3 Vote(s)

Russian official calls cooperation with Mongolia critical

hidodorj — Wed, 27 May 2009 10:19:33 -0400

I.Shuvalov, Deputy Chairman of the Government of Russia, told the media "We have to establish joint ventures both with Mongolia and China and not only to accept the development of Chinese and Mongolian enterprises on the territory of Russia, but to actively widen our own opportunities on the territories of Mongolia and China."

3 Vote(s)

Human trafficking in Mongolia

hidodorj — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:07:14 -0400

I am not entirely sure about the extent of human trafficking in Mongolia, and the slight naivety of volunteers like this always worries me a bit. But at least worth to have noted.

2 Vote(s)

Wiretapping to be discussed

hidodorj — Tue, 26 May 2009 01:07:05 -0400

News.mn reports that 4 of the Great Khural standing committees will convene today to discuss the state budget for 2010-2012. What drew my interest and concern was a bit about the Internal Security, Foreign Policy Committee meeting. The committee members will meet to discuss possible changes to the Communications law, which includes legalizing wiretapping of mobile communication for law enforcement purposes.

4 Vote(s)

Mongolians hail opposition win

hidodorj — Mon, 25 May 2009 21:59:12 -0400

ULAN BATOR, Mongolia - Thousands of Mongolians, from nomadic herders to businessmen, jammed into Ulan Bator's public square yesterday to welcome their newly elected president shortly after the Harvard-educated opposition candidate was declared the winner in a close election.

5 Vote(s)

Final Results by General Election Committee

hidodorj — Mon, 25 May 2009 00:40:33 -0400

The General Election Committee finalized the Presidential Election result today at 6 pm.

This time, in the Election 1.7 million people or 73.52 percent of overall voters participated.

Accordingly, Ts.Elbegdorj from Democratic Party wins by 51.24 percent and N.Enhbayar from MPRP takes 47.44 percent.

For aimags, N.Enhbayar has 50.31 percent, Ts.Elbegdorj has 48.28 percent. For capital Ts.Elbegdorj has 55.59 percent and N.Enhbayar has 43.21 percent.

4 Vote(s)

President Enkhbayar admits defeat

hidodorj — Sun, 24 May 2009 15:54:09 -0400

Prime Minister Bayar and President Enkhbayar are holding a press conference on TV right now admitting defeat and congratulating Elbegdorj on his win, although the official results are not yet out.
Enkhbayar's gone on to state that he respects the results of the election

6 Vote(s)

hidodorj — Sun, 24 May 2009 15:51:25 -0400

1 Vote(s)

A new President is probable in Mongolia | Mongolia Business and Mongolian Daily Business News

hidodorj — Sun, 24 May 2009 15:15:03 -0400

According to the source of Demparty, candidate Elbegdorj is won the election by 35000 votes, securing his win for the election. It is not the official report of the Election Committee of Mongolia.

In contrast, MPRP announced its press conference at 9.00 am this morning. It regularly reported its win during the night.

Official result of the election will be announced within 5 days after the election, according to the law.

2 Vote(s)

Democrats Win Mongolia Presidential Poll - Reports

hidodorj — Sun, 24 May 2009 15:10:32 -0400

Television networks reported a victory for Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, the Democratic Party candidate, over incumbent Nambaryn Enkhbayar of the ex- communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party in Sunday's poll.

Citizens For Justice, a Mongolian non-governmental organization, also projected a win for Elbegdorj, a former prime minister.

Official results haven't yet been released.

4 Vote(s)

Mongolia tallies presidential vote - Forbes.com

hidodorj — Sun, 24 May 2009 14:20:40 -0400

The opposition claimed victory Monday in Mongolia's presidential election based on their own unofficial tally but the incumbent's party rejected the claim, as police stayed on high alert for signs of civil unrest sparked by ballot disputes.

3 Vote(s)

Opposition claims win in Mongolia presidential race

hidodorj — Sun, 24 May 2009 12:06:35 -0400

* Opposition Democratic Party says Elbegdorj has won race

* Election committee has not yet issued final results

* Ruling party's headquarters silent

5 Vote(s)

Counting Underway in Presidential Elections

hidodorj — Sun, 24 May 2009 03:57:20 -0400

Results of voting in the Mongolian presidential election are slowly coming in. Both parties give some impression. Some results in Arkhangai might be in favor of Enkhbayar, but Elbegdorj seems to have a strong lead in Sukhbaatar ditrict and the city of Erdenet

4 Vote(s)

Mongolia set for presidential vote - Al Jazeera English

hidodorj — Sat, 23 May 2009 15:55:49 -0400

Voters in Mongolia are preparing to head to the polls in an election that is expected to see a closely-fought race for the presidency.

Sunday's vote across the vast land-locked country pits Nambaryn Enkhbayar, the incumbent president and leader of the Mongolian People' Revolutionary party (MPRP), against opposition leader, Elbegdorj Tsakhia, of the Democratic Party.

Local media reports suggest that Enkhbayar is expected to win the election but with a slim majority.

He has promised to be tough on law and order and continue government support for his party's rural base, while his opponent, Elbegdorj, has pitched his campaign on reforming control of Mongolia's rich natural resources.

"I'm pushing ahead with the goal of making Mongolia a country ruled by law. The rule of law will create a responsible and just government," the president told supporters at a rally on Tuesday in a suburb of the capital, Ulan Bator.

"With this kind of government, Mongolia will develop further. I will work with you in order to implement this goal."

4 Vote(s)

Three New Zealanders in the world's longest horse race across Mongolia

hidodorj — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:22:17 -0400

Three New Zealanders have entered the world's longest and toughest horse race, over 1000km across Mongolia.
Charlotte Davison, Dave Murray and Hannah Ritchie will be among about 25 riders set to race across the Mongolian plains from August 22, each of them changing horses every 40km.
The race has been framed around the communications system used by Genghis Khan, a kind of pony express using a relay system which was able to get a message from Mongolia to Eastern Europe in just 14 days, organisers said on their website.

5 Vote(s)

Mongolian mining in focus ahead of election | Reuters

hidodorj — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:18:53 -0400

May 22 (Reuters) - Foreign investors will be watching Mongolia's presidential elections on Sunday for signs of whether the outcome will serve to further postpone the parliament's ratification of a landmark mining investment agreement.

Following are some of the projects at stake and other facts about foreign investment in Mongolia, a vast country landlocked between Russia and China whose empire under Genghis Khan once extended west as far as Hungary.

3 Vote(s)

Briefing Election Committee

hidodorj — Fri, 22 May 2009 03:27:51 -0400

Ulaanbaatar, /MONTSAME/ The General Election Commission (GEC) announced Friday it had handed the voter's card to about 90 percent or 1 million 597 thousands people nationwide.
As of today, 2,025 people are working in 338 sub-electoral committees, and 16,126 people in 1,691 electoral districts. According to the GEC, 360 video cameras in total have been installed in electoral districts and 5,000 voting boxes have been placed in them.
About 50 representatives of 11 countries have applied to the GEC for a permission to observe presidential election. Electoral districts will submit the voting results to the GEC by May 29. A name of a candidate who will receive a majority of votes will be submitted to parliament within 30 days after the voting day.
S.Batbayar

2 Vote(s)

Hearty Food of Mongolian Winter - The Atlantic Food Channel

hidodorj — Fri, 22 May 2009 02:03:44 -0400

An article about food in Mongolia - from a slightly different angle than the regular yadiyadi. And with a (short) comment from American Ambassador Mark Minton

In the Bradt travel guide on Mongolia, there's a section about food, and in that section there's a text box titled "In Defense of Mongolian Food." It's a very, very small box. And, as it turns out, it's not so much a defense of Mongolian food as an assurance it's possible to find other things to eat.

No one, it seems, has much nice to say about Mongolian cuisine. Still, I was curious. Mongolia could be called the world's original all organic country--though that doesn't translate to heirloom tomatoes. One percent of the land is arable. Many people still live as nomadic herders. The staples here derive from the milk or meat of Mongolia's "five snouts": horses, camels, sheep, goats, and cattle/yaks--plus the occasional blow-torched marmot.

5 Vote(s)