AGP Executive Report

Oyu Tolgoi Deal Update: Mongolia and Rio Tinto have agreed to amend the Oyu Tolgoi Shareholders’ Agreement for the first time in 17 years, boosting Mongolia’s benefits, cutting management costs, and moving dividend timing to 2027. Housing Costs in Ulaanbaatar: New experimental data show average rents in the capital’s six central districts rising to about 1.4 million MNT for studios, 1.93 million for one-bedrooms, and 3.03 million for two-bedrooms, with Sukhbaatar District topping the charts. Public Health Tech: The First Central Hospital of Mongolia has introduced the “Revo-I” robotic surgical system, aiming to expand access and train more specialists. Education Safety Funding: ADB approved a $3 million grant to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in Mongolia, upgrading school dorms and adding prevention and digital safety programs for about 19,500 students. Energy & Infrastructure: President Khurelsukh says the Erdeneburen hydropower project is a key Mongolia–China cooperation outcome, while Mongolia also looks at deeper energy ties with China. Business & Trade: Mongolia imported 24,000 tonnes of AI-92 gasoline in the first 11 days of September, and the Mongolian Stock Exchange held its first molybdenum concentrate auction from Erdenet. Sports & Culture: The 40th National Book Festival opens Sept. 18, and Mongolian chess players head to the World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.

Mongolia–China Energy: President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh visited the Erdeneburen Hydropower Plant site in Khovd, calling it a key result of Mongolia–China cooperation and pledging deeper ties in energy and infrastructure as the 90MW project moves toward boosting power supply for western provinces. Governance & Transparency: MPs B.Uyanga, B.Munkhsoyol and B.Jargalan submitted a draft law to create a unified, public reporting system for how Mongolia uses mineral, water, forest, wildlife and plant resources, aiming to curb corruption and conflicts of interest. Education & Health: Mongolia and France agreed to strengthen school nutrition, with French experience on healthier, eco-friendly lunch menus and nutrition education to be shared with Mongolian schools. National Culture & Infrastructure: The National Museum of Natural Sciences construction is 83% complete, with President Khurelsukh urging upgrades to collections, exhibition design, preservation, interactive displays and education programs to international standards. Viral Spotlight: Khurelsukh’s 100kg bench-press for 20 reps during a military visit continues to draw attention online.

Parliament & Governance: Mongolia marked the 36th anniversary of its permanent parliament and first session on Sept. 13, with the Speaker stressing the State Small Khural’s role in building a rule-based, pluralistic system. Natural Resources Transparency: Lawmakers submitted a draft Law on Transparency in the Use of Natural Resources to create a unified, public reporting system for minerals, water, forests, wildlife and plants, including a centralized digital portal and public oversight. Education & Health: Mongolia and France moved to strengthen school nutrition, with French know-how on healthier menus and nutrition education to be applied in “healthy, green, accessible, safe, smart schools.” Culture & Science: President Khurelsukh reviewed the National Museum of Natural Sciences project, now 83% complete, urging high standards for collections, exhibitions, preservation, interactive learning and staff training. Energy Cooperation: The UAE and Mongolia signed an MoU to expand renewable energy and green hydrogen cooperation, including a joint working group to identify and develop priority projects. Aviation Watch: China’s C919’s first international flight to Ulaanbaatar is being criticized as a PR stunt after a short, same-day trip. Sports: Mongolian jiu-jitsu standout Khurelchuluun won two medals at the SJJIF World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Tokyo; and Mongolian judokas earned medals at the Hungary Grand Slam.

Education & Health: Mongolia and France agreed to strengthen Mongolia’s school lunch programme, with French expertise aimed at better nutrition, healthier menus, and nutrition education in the curriculum. Sports: Mongolian judokas opened the Hungary Grand Slam with medals—B.Baasankhuu won bronze in -48 kg and U.Byambasuren took silver in -66 kg. Tech & Media: Skytel (via SKYmedia) selected ZEGi NEXX5 to power its OTT streaming service for the next 10 years. Culture & Arts: Russian artist Fyodor Torkhov’s “Mongolian Palette” exhibition opened in Ulaanbaatar at the Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum, highlighting decades of work on Mongolia’s landscapes and people. Local Development: A new sports complex in Sukhbaatar District’s Khoroo 13 has been completed and accepted for permanent operation, adding indoor and outdoor facilities for residents. Public Finance: The Bank of Mongolia launched a public consultation on draft 2027 State Monetary Policy Guidelines, including inflation stability around 5% and flexible tugrik exchange-rate policy. Business & Energy: Mongolia and UAE signed energy cooperation MoUs to expand clean energy and green hydrogen ties. National Pride: The HU released the official “Warrior Chant” music video from its “Hun” album.

Mongolia–France Education: Mongolia and France agreed to boost the school lunch programme, aiming for healthier, greener, safer meals and nutrition education in classrooms. Central Bank Watch: The Bank of Mongolia opened a public consultation on its 2027 State Monetary Policy Guidelines, targeting inflation around 5%, flexible tugrik exchange-rate adjustment, and stronger banking supervision. Sports & Pride: Mongolian judokas opened the Hungary Grand Slam with medals—B.Baasankhuu won bronze (-48 kg) and U.Byambasuren took silver (-66 kg). Tech & Media: Skytel, via SKYmedia, selected ZEGi NEXX5 as the platform for its OTT streaming service for the next decade. Youth & Research: Falling Walls Lab Ulaanbaatar 2026 showcased young researchers’ ideas, with the top participant set for the global finale in Berlin. Culture & Diplomacy: The “Mongolian Palette” exhibition opened at the Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum, marking 105 years of Mongolia–Russia diplomatic ties. Local Life: A new sports complex in Sukhbaatar District (Khoroo 13) has been completed, bringing football, tennis, basketball, and training facilities for 140,000 residents.

Central Banking: The Bank of Mongolia opened a public consultation on its draft 2027 State Monetary Policy Guidelines, aiming for inflation around 5% over the medium term, flexible tugrik exchange-rate adjustment, and tighter banking supervision plus anti–money laundering and counter-terror financing measures. Sports & Community: A new three-story sports complex in Sukhbaatar District’s Khoroo 13 has been completed and accepted for permanent operation, with courts, tracks, a boxing hall, fitness and table tennis facilities—benefiting about 140,000 residents. Culture & Diplomacy: The “Mongolian Palette” exhibition by Russian Honored Artist Fyodor Torkhov opened at the Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum to mark 105 years of Mongolia–Russia diplomatic ties, featuring works spanning three decades. Energy Cooperation: Mongolia and the UAE signed an MoU to expand renewable energy and green hydrogen cooperation, including expertise exchange, capacity building, and a joint working group to identify and assess clean-energy projects. Local Life: Ulaanbaatar’s expanded “Golden Autumn 2026” vegetable markets run through November 1 across 18 locations, boosting supplies of potatoes, vegetables, herbs and fruit. President in Spotlight: President Khurelsukh’s viral bench-press video—100 kg for 20 reps during a military unit visit—keeps drawing attention online.

UAE–Mongolia Energy Push: The UAE Ministry of Energy and Mongolia’s Ministry of Energy signed an MoU to boost renewable power and green hydrogen, set up a joint working group, and expand training and clean-energy project cooperation. Fuel Security Moves: Mongolia’s industry ministry says CNPC will supply 10,000 tons of gasoline and 4,000 tons of jet fuel in September, with further requests for AI-92 gasoline and diesel in October, aiming to shift toward longer-term supply contracts. Education & AI Policy: Mongolia’s education minister presented AI governance and digital learning policy at UNESCO’s Digital Learning Week in Paris, stressing clear public guidance and support for teachers and students. Higher-Tech Training Link: Talks with IP Paris could lead to a partnership with Mongolia’s MUST to strengthen engineering and technical workforce capacity. Healthcare Upgrade: First Central Hospital launched the “Revo-I” robotic surgical system from South Korea, with plans to expand use, train staff, and integrate services into health insurance. Transport Convenience: Ulaanbaatar Smart LLC says suburban bus passengers can reserve seats in advance via the UBCARD app for Baganuur, Bagakhangai and the airport routes. Trade Snapshot: Mongolia’s foreign trade turnover hit $22.8B in the first eight months, with exports up strongly on copper and coal. Viral President Moment: President Khurelsukh’s 100kg bench-press for 20 reps during a military unit visit keeps dominating social media.

Mongolia–Vietnam Ties: Mongolia’s National Assembly and Vietnam’s National Assembly signed new inter-parliamentary cooperation memorandums during Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s official visit, with leaders calling for a joint implementation plan through 2028. Energy Cooperation: Mongolia’s Deputy PM Dorjkhand Togmid met UAE energy officials and signed an MoU to expand renewable power, green hydrogen, grid links, storage, and training, including exploring electricity and hydrogen exports. Environment & Wildlife: Mongolia banned cedar nut harvesting through year-end after bear sightings rose in eastern Khentii, citing food shortages for wildlife and the 2026 crop situation. Business & Industry: Orano’s CEO said uranium production from Mongolia could reach “multi-million pounds” per year by the end of the decade as the Zuuvch Ovoo project moves forward. People & Culture: A viral video of President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh bench-pressing 100kg for 20 reps sparked debate online about the exact weight. International Spotlight: UNCCD COP17 coverage from Ulaanbaatar highlighted unresolved promises for Indigenous participation and drought frameworks.

Mongolia–Vietnam Ties: Mongolia’s National Assembly chief Byambatsogt Sandag met Vietnam’s Tran Thanh Man in Ulaanbaatar, with new inter-parliament cooperation MoUs on the table and plans to implement them through 2028. Energy Diplomacy: Mongolia and the UAE signed an energy cooperation MoU covering renewables, green hydrogen, power grids, storage, and possible electricity/hydrogen exports to regional markets. Desertification & Indigenous Voice: COP17 in Ulaanbaatar ended without promised formal participation for Indigenous Peoples, with key agenda items deferred to COP18 and drought framework talks stalled. Tech at Home: Mobinet is rolling out Plume to power its Mobihome broadband, adding AI-optimized Wi‑Fi, cybersecurity, parental controls, and app-based home network management. Fuel & Air Quality: Ulaanbaatar outlined heating-season fuel measures for ger districts starting Sept. 15, including improved fuel production, semi-coke sales points, and tighter stock controls via the “Khotula” app. Food Imports: Mongolia’s wheat, sugar, and meat imports rose sharply in 2026, while Russia’s agricultural exports to Mongolia surged in both volume and value.

Mongolia–Montenegro Push: Montenegro’s president and officials met Mongolian leaders to turn recent agreements into real business, tourism, and better transport links, including more regular parliament-to-parliament contact. Parliament Watch: Mongolia’s lawmakers will hold a public hearing on the Jeffrey Epstein files on Oct. 7, after opposition calls to investigate references to prominent Mongolian political figures. Trade Update: Mongolia’s foreign trade turnover jumped 36.8% year-on-year to $22.8B in the first eight months of 2026, driven by mining exports that make up nearly 90% of exports. State Sector Reform: The government approved measures to cut staffing at state-owned enterprises by 30% and reorganize or dissolve parts of the sector, aiming for MNT 30B in savings. Energy & Industry: Mongolia plans an $800M steel complex in Darkhan-Uul to reduce reliance on China, targeting 1 million tonnes of steel a year. Governance & Oversight: Mongolia’s National Audit Office launched an audit into COP17 funding and spending. Education Links: Mongolia and Germany’s Saxony agreed to expand education cooperation, including exchanges and joint training. Sports: Mongolian rider Tegshbayar Batsaikhan took third overall at the Tour of Salalah.

State-Owned Enterprise Overhaul: Mongolia’s government approved measures to implement the Law on Governance of State and Local Government-Owned Companies, cutting staffing at state-owned enterprises by 30%, removing 25 organizations from the state budget, and reorganizing 108–324 positions—aiming for about MNT 30 billion in salary and recurrent spending savings from Jan. 1, 2027. Public Finance Watch: The National Audit Office launched a financial and compliance audit of COP17 funding and expenditure, covering 2023–2026 records and procurement contracts across multiple ministries and agencies. Diplomacy & Business: Montenegro President Jakov Milatović visited the Chinggis Khaan National Museum and held a Mongolia-Montenegro business roundtable focused on trade and investment ties ahead of joint cooperation agreements. Parliamentary Links: Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man arrived for an official visit, with talks and cooperation documents planned as the first such visit in 23 years. Education Cooperation: Mongolia’s education state secretary met Saxony officials to expand student, teacher, and researcher exchanges and long-term university training programs. Demographics: Mongolia’s census update says 99% of residents are Mongolian citizens and 1% are foreign nationals, with foreign nationals rising to 35,446 (up 58.1% since 2020) and growth concentrated in mining and industrial provinces.

North Korea Watch: Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin sent messages to Kim Jong-un on Sept. 9, pledging deeper “strategic” ties and framing the relationship as a boost for regional security and a multipolar order. Mongolia–Montenegro Diplomacy: Mongolia and Montenegro issued a joint statement after official talks in Ulaanbaatar, aiming to expand cooperation across trade, education, culture, science, media and people-to-people links. Fuel Crisis: Mongolians are facing long petrol queues and rising energy-security worries after disruptions to Russian supply, with authorities using purchase caps and other measures to manage demand. Tourism Uptick: Mongolia welcomed 705,098 foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, up 17.9%, with Russia, China, South Korea, Japan and Kazakhstan leading arrivals. Media Cooperation: China and Mongolia urged stronger journalism ties at the China-Mongolia Media Forum in Hohhot, calling for fair reporting to reduce misunderstandings. Sports & Culture: The VI World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan highlighted Mongolian böh among martial arts, while traditional music festivals tied to the Games announced winners across storytelling and instrumental categories.

Mongolia–Montenegro Diplomacy: President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and Montenegro’s Jakov Milatović issued a joint statement after official talks in Ulaanbaatar, aiming to deepen cooperation in trade, economy, education, culture, science, media and people-to-people links as the countries mark 20 years of diplomatic ties; agreements signed include visa-free rules for diplomatic/official passport holders and cooperation on diplomatic training and science. Tourism Boost: Mongolia welcomed 705,098 foreign tourists in the first eight months of 2026, up 17.9%, with Russia, China, South Korea, Japan and Kazakhstan among the top source markets as the government pushes year-round travel. Fuel Crunch: Reports say Mongolians are still facing fuel shortages and long queues after disruptions to Russian supply, raising pressure for steadier energy security. Agriculture Ahead of Cold: The State Harvest Commission urged farmers to finish harvesting promptly as snow and sharp temperature drops are expected by late September and early October, with support loans and volunteer labor planned. Ulaanbaatar Night Marathon: Mongolia’s first night marathon is set for Sept. 26 with 5, 10 and 21 km routes and live performances.

Mongolia Budget Shift: The Mongolian People’s Party backed draft 2026 budget amendments, redirecting MNT 1.44 trillion in operating savings to higher pensions, civil-servant pay, the “School Close to Home” program, and larger strategic food reserves, alongside plans to stabilize energy and food supplies without raising energy prices. Renewables Rollout: Mongolia’s first competitive renewable energy auction awarded 220 MW solar PV plus 135 MW/440 MWh battery storage across five provinces, with projects expected to be ready before peak winter demand; a second auction is set for Sept. 11. Ulaanbaatar Heating Upgrade: Construction of the 63 MW Dambadarjaa thermal power plant is 70% complete, aiming to boost district heating capacity for about 5,000 households and reduce winter heat-supply restrictions. AI Governance Debate: A new commentary argues Mongolia’s AI push needs an internal verification standard before systems influence decisions, warning that fragmented data and weak governance can turn “fast answers” into costly mistakes. Sports Spotlight: Dwight Howard arrived in Mongolia to play for the SG Apes, with a Sept. 9 preseason game at M Bank Arena. Regional Context: Kazakhstan says Mongolia will join its planned Earth observation satellite constellation by 2030, alongside partners from Congo and Nigeria.

Renewables Push: Mongolia has completed its first competitive renewable energy auction, awarding 220 MW of solar PV plus 135 MW/440 MWh of battery storage across five provinces, with projects aimed to be online before peak winter demand and a second auction set for Sept. 11. Energy Infrastructure: Ulaanbaatar’s 63 MW Dambadarjaa thermal power plant is 70% complete, expected to supply heat to about 5,000 households and ease winter heating limits. Clean Air & Climate: A UN-backed report says coordinated clean-air and climate action can deliver major health gains and about $15 in benefits for every $1 spent, using proven measures like renewables and cleaner transport. Public Health: Ulaanbaatar has launched a month-long “Together Against Influenza” vaccination drive, offering free shots to high-risk groups ahead of the usual mid-October rise. Mining & Investment: Korea is targeting Mongolia’s mining workforce with a medical tourism roadshow, pitching tailored screenings and wellness packages to executives, engineers, and miners. Sports & Culture: Mongolia’s athletes shone at the World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan, winning medals including horseback archery gold for G.Gunbileg Ganbaatar and multiple mas-wrestling podium finishes. Parliament Watch: Mongolia’s State Great Khural opened an irregular session to debate 2026 budget amendments aimed at easing economic pressure on households.

Mongolia–Japan Partnership: President Khurelsukh met Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, reaffirming the “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity” and highlighting plans to expand Chinggis Khaan International Airport capacity via a concessional Japanese loan. State Visits & Diplomacy: Montenegro President Jakov Milatović will visit Mongolia Sept. 8–10 for talks on trade, investment, education, culture, science, and climate cooperation, marking 20 years of diplomatic ties. Rail & Trade Logistics: Ulaanbaatar Railway says freight volumes are on track for a record year, with nearly 20 million tonnes moved in the first seven months, plus a Russia-linked mobile medical train service reaching 2,800 people. Fuel Crunch: Mongolia faces gasoline and diesel shortages and long queues after Russia’s supply disruptions, with prices reportedly jumping to $1.5–$2 per litre. Culture & Tourism: The “A Thousand Horsemen” event in Gorkhi-Terelj features mounted archery, equestrian shows, and a Khiimori tournament with 87 archers from multiple countries. Sports Spotlight: Mongolia’s Tegshbayar Patsaikhan won the aggressive rider jersey at the Tour of Salalah, while Mongolia’s teams also featured in recent international 3x3 basketball action in Mongolia.