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August 8, 2025 to August 14, 2025
This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs.
1. Government Orders Overhaul of Secrecy Laws and Anti-Corruption Measures
The Mongolian government has launched a comprehensive overhaul of its secrecy laws and anti-corruption framework to boost transparency and improve its standing on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index. A newly formed working group is tasked with accelerating the National Anti-Corruption Program, eliminating unlawful bureaucratic obstacles for investors, and enforcing accountability for officials involved in illicit enrichment. Key reforms include drafting amendments to the Law on State and Official Secrets to curb misuse of secrecy provisions that restrict public access to information, as well as strengthening legal protections for whistleblowers and witnesses, in line with Transparency International’s recommendations.
Chief Deputy Cabinet Secretary D. Munkh-Erdene emphasized the government’s commitment to abolishing all unlawful permits and contracts that hinder business operations, except those mandated by law, and ensuring swift action against officials exerting illegal pressure on enterprises. Additionally, Mongolia plans to present a resolution on political campaign finance transparency at the upcoming UN anti-corruption conference in Doha, signaling a broader commitment to international anti-corruption standards. These measures reflect a strategic effort to create a more transparent, investor-friendly environment while addressing systemic governance challenges.
From daily brief: 2025-08-14
2. US-Mongolia Talks Seek Entry of Global Payment Platforms and Tech Collaboration
Mongolia’s Minister for Digital Development and Communications, E. Batshugar, recently met with US Ambassador Richard Buangan to discuss the introduction of global payment platforms such as Google Pay and PayPal into the Mongolian market. The talks also covered enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity training and leveraging US expertise to support Mongolia’s startup ecosystem. Ambassador Buangan emphasized readiness to expand collaboration in IT, space research, and remote learning initiatives aimed at strengthening cybersecurity capabilities.
These discussions underscore Mongolia’s strategic push to modernize its digital infrastructure and integrate more deeply with global financial and technological networks. Facilitating access to international payment tools could significantly improve transactional efficiency for Mongolian businesses and consumers, while joint cybersecurity efforts aim to bolster national resilience amid increasing digital threats. The dialogue reflects a broader intent to position Mongolia as a regional hub for innovation and secure digital development.
From daily brief: 2025-08-14
3. Consumer Prices Rise 8.1% Year-on-Year as Inflation Accelerates
In July 2025, consumer prices rose 8.1% year-on-year, marking a significant acceleration from 5.1% in July 2024, according to the National Statistics Office. While monthly prices slightly declined by 0.1%, inflationary pressures intensified notably in the services sector, which surged 16.6% nationally and 18.2% in Ulaanbaatar. Food prices also increased by 6.4%, driven largely by higher costs for imported goods (excluding fuel) and domestic products (excluding meat and solid fuels), contributing 2.1 and 4.9 percentage points respectively to the overall inflation rate.
These figures underscore mounting inflationary challenges, particularly in urban areas and service industries, with potential implications for consumer purchasing power and business costs. The sustained rise in the consumer price index signals ongoing economic pressures that may influence monetary policy decisions and market dynamics in Mongolia.
From daily brief: 2025-08-11
4. Public Scrutiny Intensifies as Budget Debates and Health Sector Scandal Unfold
This week, Mongolia launched public consultations on its 2026 state budget, highlighting increased citizen engagement across ministries. Key proposals include a 10.3% pension increase, a 12% rise in the Ministry of Education’s budget, and an ₮800 million investment in an AI-driven national digital assistant by the Ministry of Digital Development. The Ministry of Industry also recommended cutting MPs’ monthly transport allowances, while plans to raise road tolls were introduced. Concurrently, the health sector faced turmoil as Health Minister J. Chinzorig dismissed the director of the National Center for Mental Health (SЭMҮT) amid allegations of ₮479 million in patient fund misappropriation.
Adding to the week’s challenges, a major malfunction on June 2 at the Third Thermal Power Plant disabled a 50MW turbine generator, prompting the government to impose a special regime and appoint a plenipotentiary representative to manage recovery efforts. Meanwhile, expanded autumn produce and back-to-school markets have opened in Ulaanbaatar, reflecting ongoing government initiatives to stabilize food supply and support households amid economic pressures. These developments underscore Mongolia’s balancing act between fiscal reform, governance accountability, and infrastructure resilience.
From daily brief: 2025-08-10
5. Government Launches Investigation into Unexplained Wealth of Senior Officials
The Mongolian government has launched a comprehensive investigation into the unexplained wealth of current and former senior officials, following a directive from the Prime Minister to intensify anti-corruption efforts. A dedicated task force has been established to examine illicit asset accumulation, propose legal reforms, streamline business regulations, and enhance transparency, with clear deadlines for legislative proposals and progress reports. This initiative aims to bolster the rule of law, reduce corruption, and improve Mongolia’s standing in international corruption perception indices.
In addition to domestic measures such as reviewing burdensome permits and improving public access to government information, the government plans to advance political campaign finance transparency at the upcoming UN Convention Against Corruption conference in Doha. Collaboration with international organizations and business chambers is emphasized to ensure accountability and integrity across public service. This multi-faceted approach signals Mongolia’s commitment to systemic reform and greater alignment with global anti-corruption standards.
From daily brief: 2025-08-15
6. Parliamentary Committee Appoints O. Batnairamdal to Oversee Oyu Tolgoi Operations
Mongolia’s parliament has established a temporary committee to oversee the Oyu Tolgoi mining project, appointing MP O. Batnairamdal as chair to lead efforts aimed at enhancing national benefits and ensuring compliance with existing agreements. Formed under a 2025 parliamentary resolution, the committee will operate intensively for six months, monitoring the operations and documentation related to the Oyu Tolgoi group of deposits—one of the country’s most critical economic assets. The unanimous appointment reflects a strategic push for greater transparency and accountability in managing this key foreign investment and resource development initiative.
From daily brief: 2025-08-14
7. Budget Cuts Threaten Energy, Mining, and Youth Initiatives as Stakeholders Raise Concerns
Mongolia’s 2026 draft budget proposes sharp cuts across critical sectors, raising alarms among industry and social stakeholders. The geological survey budget is set to drop from ₮42 billion to ₮10.3 billion, threatening future mining investment and resource mapping efforts. In the energy sector, aging power plants face urgent maintenance challenges compounded by scarce spare parts and funding shortfalls; B. Ganbaatar, Director of Erchim Mash LLC, highlighted the difficulty in sourcing components, noting inflated costs and risks of winter outages without modernization. Additionally, youth and sports funding is halved, potentially undermining regional development and social programs, while healthcare diagnostics funding remains insufficient for comprehensive care. Experts warn that these cuts could have lasting negative impacts on Mongolia’s economic stability and social welfare.
From daily brief: 2025-08-13
8. Trade Turnover Reaches $14.2 Billion as Export Declines Offset Import Growth
In the first seven months of 2025, Mongolia’s total trade turnover reached $14.2 billion across 152 countries, with exports totaling $7.8 billion and imports $6.5 billion, resulting in a $1.3 billion trade surplus. Despite this surplus, overall trade declined by $1.4 billion year-on-year, driven by a $1.5 billion drop in exports, while imports modestly increased by $68.9 million. The export downturn was largely due to significant decreases in coal ($2.4 billion), washed cashmere ($200.2 million), crude oil ($35.5 million), sheep and goat meat ($25.9 million), and iron ore ($15.5 million).
These shifts highlight ongoing volatility in Mongolia’s commodity markets and changing global demand for its key exports. Notably, some sectors showed resilience, with copper ore exports rising by $1.1 billion, combed animal hair by $42.6 million, and zinc ore by $31.4 million. The narrowing trade surplus and export contraction underscore challenges for Mongolia’s trade balance amid fluctuating commodity prices and market conditions in 2025.
From daily brief: 2025-08-13
9. Authorities Prepare for Harsh Winter as Drought Impacts Agriculture and Energy Sectors
Mongolian authorities are intensifying preparations for the 2025-2026 winter amid significant drought affecting 13.6% of the country, primarily in western and northern provinces. The drought has severely impacted agriculture, with below-average crop yields and over 100 million livestock expected to overwinter, placing substantial strain on feed and pasture resources. In response, the government is prioritizing the stockpiling of hay and feed, particularly in vulnerable regions.
To address energy security concerns during the harsh winter, the Ministry of Energy has overseen repairs to 24 thermal power plant boilers and plans to commission a new 150 MW unit at the Buuruljuut power plant in December. Minister B. Choijilsuren affirmed that this addition will prevent electricity restrictions. Authorities have also mandated continuous coal mining and fuel reserve management to mitigate supply risks, underscoring the critical need for coordinated resource management in the face of worsening spring conditions.
From daily brief: 2025-08-13
10. UK Firms to Advise on Ulaanbaatar Metro Project After High-Level Talks
The Ulaanbaatar Metro project has advanced with the appointment of Crossrail International, the firm behind London’s Elizabeth Line, as strategic advisor for the planned 19.4 km, 15-station metro system in Mongolia’s capital. This follows high-level discussions between Ulaanbaatar Mayor Khishgee Nyambaatar, UK Ambassador Fiona Blyth, and Crossrail executives, signaling strengthened UK-Mongolia collaboration. The partnership is expected to unlock contracts worth hundreds of millions of pounds for UK companies, while addressing Ulaanbaatar’s critical urban challenges, including severe traffic congestion, limited public transport, and extreme winter conditions reaching -37°C.
Mayor Nyambaatar highlighted the project’s ambition to create a world-class metro system comparable to London’s historic underground, emphasizing its role in fostering flexible, connected urban development. The initiative aims to significantly improve urban mobility, air quality, and residents’ quality of life, positioning the metro as a transformative infrastructure investment with broad economic and environmental implications for Mongolia’s capital.
From daily brief: 2025-08-12
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