Mongolia Brief October 31, 2014



First colored paint of Ikh khuree presented to City Government
October 31 (news.mn) Mongolian Academy of Sciences presented a historical paint of Ikh Khuree around 1805 to Ulaanbaatar City Governor`s Office today celebrating the 375th anniversary of founding the capital city.

President of Mongolian National Academy of Sciences, academician B.Enkhtuvshin presented the first colored paint of Ikh Khuree to chair of the Capital City Governor`s Office Yo.Gerelchuluun under a ceremony.
Russian traveler J.Rehmany painted the paint during his journey through Urguu city to Beijing between 1805-1806 when Urguu was settling on the lap of Bogd Khan Mount.
During the ceremony a medal for the 375th anniversary of Ulaanbaatar city was given to president of Mongolian Academy of Sciences, academician B.Enkhtuvshin for his unpayable efforts of releasing city`s historical source to public, and restoring it.

Ceremony for tortoise sculpture foundation stone of the city held
October 30 (news.mn) On the occasion of Ulaanbaatar's 375thanniversary, city officials followed anniversary tradition by showing respect to the foundation stone of the capital city of Mongolia, and enjoyed a horse head fiddle concert.
The foundation of the city dates back to 1639, when Undur gegeen Zanabazar reigned as Mongolia's spiritual leader of Lamaism and a palace (urguu) was built for him. Since that time, the palace changed its location 28 times, located near the banks of the crystal-clear Tuul River, on the hill of Selbe River, north of Bogd Khan Mountain, and in the hollow of Stone Man in 1778.  The city's first settlers laid a stone man as a foundation for the urguu, marking the settlement.
In 1994, memorializing the historical foundation and preserving the city's legacy for future generations, a sculpture of a tortoise, the foundation stone of the city, was laid at the northern point of the stone man that marked the first settlement.
The Chair of the Ulaanbaatar Citizens' Representatives Khural, D.Battulga, said during the ceremony, “Ulaanbaatar, which has endured for almost four centuries, has a rich history. The city has long been a center of the nation's political, economic and cultural life since it was founded.  Today, the city marks the 375th anniversary of its founding, and the city improvement team marks the anniversary by reporting our projects to citizens and planning its next projects.”
D.Battulga congratulated everyone on the 375th anniversary and wished happiness, joy and prosperity to all families.

Deputy Foreign Ministers Agree to Host Second Mongolia-Russia-China Presidential Summit in Ufa, Russia in 2015
October 31 (infomongolia.com) The First Consultative Meeting between Russia, Mongolia and China at the Deputy Foreign Ministers level was successfully held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Economic Cooperation in Ulaanbaatar on October 30, 2014.
Mongolia was represented by Deputy Minister Damba GANKHUYAG, the Russian Federation by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Igor Vladimirovich Morgulov and the People’s Republic of China by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Cheng Guoping.
This First Meeting was aimed to implement some issues negotiated between the heads of state of Mongolia, China and Russia during the tripartite meeting held in Dushanbe last September and at the Consultative Meeting, parties exchanged views on bilateral and trilateral partnerships as well as on organizational matters of the next three-party presidential meeting and issues concerning of cooperation at international and regional levels.
Further, Deputy Ministers underlined to keep trilateral partnership and exchanges in the trade, economic, infrastructure and humanitarian sectors at top level and boost strategic cooperation between the three countries. Moreover, parties reached consensus on connecting the three territories via infrastructure as a priority of the three-way trade and real economic integration, and agreed to develop cooperation in the fields of mining, transit transportation, infrastructure development, tourism and environmental protection.
Also, the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China reaffirmed to support Mongolia on joining the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) as a member state.
In addition, parties agreed to strengthen cooperation within the scope of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and make joint efforts for development of regional peace and stability.
Furthermore, the Deputy Foreign Ministers principally negotiated to organize the Second Tripartite Meeting between the Heads of State of Mongolia, Russia and China during the 2015 SCO Summit to be held in Ufa, Russia.
The next meeting of the Deputy Foreign Ministers was agreed to organize in Beijing in February 2015 to discuss preparatory work for three-way presidential meeting and further to host such trilateral meeting every year.

Government of Mongolia Decides to Delay Tender to Invest in Tavan Tolgoi Deposit for another Month by December 01, 2014
October 31 (infomongolia.com) At the Cabinet meeting held last August, the Tavan Tolgoi deposit development issue was revised and agreed to select investors by November 01 and establish contracts with winning entities by December 15, 2014.
Although the deadline is running out tomorrow and entities interested to participate have not submitted relevant documents on time, therefore, Government decides to delay the selection process for another month on December 01, 2014.
To recall, the preliminary selection of companies to invest and cooperate in Tavan Tolgoi deposit was announced in December 2010, where out of 15 companies forwarded their bids 6 firms were selected and after considering, Mongolia-Russian Railways Consortium, Chinese Shenhua Energy Group and US Peabody Energy Corporation were picked to develop Tavan Tolgoi’s west block and were introduced to the National Security Council of Mongolia, but the Security Council rejected the proposals and delivered back to the Government.
Related:

“Selenge 2015” Russian-Mongolian Joint Military Field Exercise Announced to Take Place in Russia
October 31 (infomongolia.com) The Eastern Military District of the Armed Forces of Russia stationed in the Republic of Buryatia announces to host the “Selenge 2015” Russian-Mongolian joint military field exercises in its territory in August-September of 2015.
The latter “Selenge 2014” was organized at Munkh Khet polygon near Choibalsan, the center of Dornod Aimag last August and final decision for upcoming event will be resolved in the end of this year.
The “Selenge” annual military field practice has been organized since 2008 in both territories alternately and the first three editions used to codenamed under “Darkhan” and the current name was given in 2011.
Chronology of the Russian-Mongolian joint military field exercises:
The First Mongolia-Russia “Darkhan 2008” took places in Tuv and Darkhan-Uul Aimags
“Darkhan 2009” at the Taval Tolgoi (Five Hills) training center in Tuv Aimag
“Darkhan 2010” at the Burduny training center in Buryatia
“Selenge 2011” at the Taval Tolgoi (Five Hills) training center in Tuv Aimag
“Selenge 2012” at the Burduny training center in Buryatia
“Selenge 2013” at the "Doityn Shar Nuur" in Sergelen Sum of Tuv Aimag
“Selenge 2014” at the "Munkh Khet" polygon in Dornod Aimag

Kharanga to Celebrate Their Silver Jubilee with Mongolians
Residing in Budapest, Geneva, London, Brussels, Paris and
Stockholm
October 31 (infomongolia.com) Mongolia’s first hard rock group “Kharanga” (Haranga or Chime) established on October 16, 1989, is celebrating its 25th anniversary and in the scope of silver jubilee, some members of the band performed their solo concerts in 2014.
So, this time the group decided to celebrate their anniversary with Mongolians residing overseas and to tour in European countries staging their “Best of Haranga” live concerts in November of this year.
The “Best of Haranga” live concerts will be performed in:
Budapest, Hungary on November 02, 2014
Geneva, Switzerland on November 08, 2014
London, UK on November 10, 2014
Brussels, Belgium on November 14, 2014
Paris, France on November 15, 2014
Stockholm, Sweden on November 21, 2014
Kharanga Members are:
Tsendsuren ENKHMANLAI (lead guitar, vocal)
Tserendorj CHULUUNBAT (bandleader, bass, double-bass, vocal)
Khatanbaatar LKHAGVASUREN (lead vocalist, trumpet)
Yarinpil ODSUREN (rhythm guitar, backing vocalist)
Nemekh PUREVDASH (drums, percussion)

Ambassador Meets Executive Director of APEC Secretariat
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, October 31 (MONTSAME) The  Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to Singapore B.Delgermaa met October 28 a group of scholars headed by executive director of the APEC secretariat Dr Alan Bollard.
During the meeting, Ms Delgermaa expressed Mongolia’s interest to seek a membership in the APEC and gave information on the measures taken in a scope of this intention. Then the sides discussed potential further cooperation.
She also handed Dr Bollard a letter of gratitude from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Economic Cooperation of Mongolia for his support for the participation of Mongolian representatives in the earlier seminar meeting of APEC as observers, and an invitation for the scholars from the Secretariat to participate in the scientific conference which will be organized in Ulaanbaatar this December by the Study and Research Center at the Ministry, Diplomatic Academy and the Research Center for General Adjustment of Foreign Policy.
The executive director of the APEC Secretariat thanked Mr Delgermaa and promised to pass the aspirations of Mongolia to the leaders of the member economies of APEC, to make recommendations on the required actions toward fulfilling the candidacy, and to cooperate in the future.

Ulaanbaatar and Ankara to collaborate
October 31 (news.mn) Upon the invitation of Ulaanbaatar City Mayor E.Bat-Uul, Turkey's Deputy Mayor of Ankara Ali Goksin is visiting Ulaanbaatar.
Mayor E.Bat-Uul received Deputy Mayor Goksin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkey to Mongolia Murat Karagoz, and other officials and exchanged views on further development of bilateral collaboration.
At the meeting, Mayor E.Bat-Uul announced, “We launched the program 'Friendly Ulaanbaatar', which was designed to welcome 5 million tourists to the city by 2030. We expect support from you for it. We will create projects featuring Turkish culture to attract Turkish tourists to our city. I hope you will collaborate with us on tourism."
In return, Deputy Mayor Goksin said, “We are ready to collaborate with Ulaanbaatar in every field.  In particular, tourism is a significant sector. It is my pleasure to collaborate in this sector. We will organize a number of campaigns.”
Goksin invited the Mayor to visit to Ankara and expressed readiness to collaborate in every field with support in the economy, investment, infrastructure, and reconstruction, as sister cities.
Related:
Ulaanbaatar to Cooperate with AnkaraMontsame, October 31

Head of Bayan-Ulgii Meets Russian Delegation
By N. Khaliun
Ulaanbaatar, October 31 (MONTSAME) A head of Bayan-Ulgii aimag Khuzkein Darmen has met with a Russian delegation, who organizes the days of Russian language in Ulaanbaatar and in this province.
The delegation includes a Head of Rossotrudnichestvo in Mongolia Evgeny Mikhaylov and a director of Russian Language center at RCNK Tamara Bronskaya.
The sides noted an importance of cooperation in the humanitarian sphere and outlined measures to strengthen collaboration between RCNK and Bayan-Ulgii administration in promoting Russian education and the Russian language in this region.

Mongolian and Japanese Experts Hold Energy Sector Conference
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, October 31 (MONTSAME) Ministry of Mining and Energy of Mongolia together with a fourth thermal power station and a Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry of Japan organized a conference themed “Energy sector” on October 28-30 in Ulaanbaatar in frames of the "Cooperation toward improving energy performance".
The acting State Secretary of Ministry of Mining and Energy D.Delgertsogt gave an opening speech  saying that Japan had given a great support in sustaining energy system of Mongolia during the 1990s' transition period, as Mongolians say “Friend in need is a friend indeed”.
There are many successful projects and programs assisted by Japan, such as First Round Renovation Project at the Fourth Thermal Station in 1995-2004; the Second Round Renovation in 2001-2008; and the Performance Improvement Project that is to be conducted in 2014-2018, he went on. The relations between Mongolia and Japan have been enriching in the recent years with new initiatives such as “Erch Initiative” by the President Ts.Elbegdorj and Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe during the latter’s visit to Mongolia on March 2013; “Medium-term program for Mongolia-Japan strategic partnership” inked during the visit of the President to Japan on September 2013; and a reaching of an understanding about establishing an Agreement on Economic Partnership between the two countries.
He also informed the gathered that the Ministry intends to introduce Japanese technologies in enhancement of the energy system of southern Gobi and to build the “Oyu Tolgoi – Tsagaan Suvarga” 220/20 kW electric line using the high-efficiency electric wires manufactured by Hitachi, in frames of the Mongolia-Japan Initiative on Carbon-less Development inked on December 2013.
The first two meetings of the conference were held in the “Fourth Thermal Station” state-owned company, the concluding meeting--in Blue Sky Hotel. Present at the conference were Mongolian officials and representatives of public and private organizations of Japan, the USA, the UK, and Vietnam, as well of international organizations.

Ulaanbaatar and Rosenbauer AG to Cooperate
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, October 31 (MONTSAME) The Governor and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar E.Bat-Uul received October 30 Senior Vice President of Rosenbauer International AG Herbert Poellinger. The sides agreed to cooperate mainly in emergency sector.
Mr Poellinger thanked the Mayor for receiving him in person, and presented the proposal from his company to cooperate with Ulaanbaatar on its implementation of Project of Improving the Emergency Department Capability. “Our company, having had 148 years of experience, prioritizes long-term collaboration. We will run assessments on technological needs before commencing the procurement. The cost of the assessment will be provided by Rosenbauer AG” he said.
To this, the Mayor said that Ulaanbaatar is ready to cooperate, in order to meet the goal included in Ulaanbaatar General Development Plan until 2030, according to which the city should be in well-built preparedness in case of emergencies. The parties also discussed cooperation in other fields.
 
'From Nomadic to Settlement' exhibition at National Museum
October 31 (news.mn) The “From Nomadic to Settlement” exhibition, featuring historical archive photos of the founding of Ulaanbaatar, is on display at the National Museum of Mongolia on the occasion of the 375th anniversary of Ulaanbaatar.
The exhibition, organized by the City Governor's Office and Capital City's Archive Department, is designed to share the records of the development and founding of the city, and promote its history and pride to residents and future generations.
The exhibition includes 20 priceless historical paintings and maps; 240 photos taken between 1639 and 2014; over 30 decrees, orders and decisions made during Urguu and Niislel Khuree times; documentary footage; over 40 digital records of documents; and 50 artifacts.
The exhibition will be on display and free of charge until November 7th.

Mongolian Football Federation undergoes audit and organizational change
October 31 (news.mn) The Mongolian Football Federation has been busy with news making international headlines. The federation has created a temporary committee to provide new rules for the federation, according to guidelines directed by The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) before its election of a new president.
The temporary committee, which is comprised of 11 members, has already taken action.
Former President B.Ganbold was banned from involvement in any football related activities amid allegations of corruption.  A.Ganbaatar was appointed acting president of the Mongolian Football Federation by the Executive Committee on October 21st, 2014.
As acting president, A.Ganbaatar requested an audit of the financial department of the federation.
He pledged that members of the Mongolian Football Federation would have the recent allegations of corruption resolved, and that all issues - including finances - would be made transparent to the public.
B.Medree, G.Gankhuu and A.Ganbaatar are on the list of nominees for the election of new president of the Mongolian Football Federation.

Apps Contest 2014 for Android and iOS Operating Systems Announced
October 31 (infomongolia.com) The representative office of Japanese Unimedia in Ulaanbaatar in association with Mongol Content LLC (gogo.mn) have announced Apps Contest 2014 with a total cash prize of 9 million MNT.
The contest is aimed to support Mongolian mobile developers of applications for Android and iOS operating systems and the goal is to bring together the best ideas and innovative apps for software.
According to regulations, the deadline for submissions is on December 19 and each developer can submit in Game Application or Service/Tool Application category and finalists will be announced on January 24, 2015.
While designing their apps, participants should consider marketplace need, usefulness, audience and viability and align their app concepts.

Online conference “Accountability, assessment, implementation” held
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, October 31 (MONTSAME) The State Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg informed at the online conference October 31 that the Development Bank (DB) allocated MNT 130.4 billion for 89 projects within last two years, and 196 factories were extended and 88 new are being built by the financing of Chinggis bonds. As results of the above, a total of 2,700 workplaces were created and 1,600 remained, he said.
The Minister also highlighted the openings of new factories such as of “Best Shoes” factory capable of producing 800 shoes a day, and oil-seed processing factory, both to open in November, as well as the commission of a new steel-glass factory.
Road and infrastructure constructions, building of engineering facilities of the last two years was a boom which had never happened in the last thirty years, he underlined. “Six aimags have been connected to Ulaanbaatar with hard court roads”.
“This year’s harvesting--490 thous.tons of crop is a higher amount than in 1987, which was the peak-point in Mongolia’s harvesting. The unemployment rate of 10.3 percent decreased to 7.3 percent,” he went on.
The Minister also gave instructions for the heads of departments and agencies that have low-performance of activities. The Minister reminded the Ministry of Road, Transportation, Construction and Urban Development to take required measures for the executing companies that did not commission the roads in timely manners.
He ended the online conference, instructing the government bodies to conduct their regular activities appropriately although the new ministers have not been appointed yet.

Two reinforced-concrete bridges put into operation in Selenge
By N. Khaliun
Ulaanbaatar, October 31 (MONTSAME) Two new reinforced-concrete bridges were put into operation in Khuder soum of Selenge aimag on October 31.   
To constrict them, almost three billion Togrog was issued from the state budget. The main executor was the HKB International Holding LLC.
An opening ceremony was attended by a member of parliament S.Bayartsogt, a deputy head of Selenge aimag N.Batdorj and others.

Stock Exchange on October 31
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, October 31 (MONTSAME) At the Stock Exchange trades on Friday, a total of 56,905 shares of 11 JSCs were traded costing MNT 33 million 338 thousand and 499.00.
"Binse” /47,950 units/, “Remicon” /5,615 units/, “Khovsgol” /1,166 units/, “Hermes Center” /1,068 units/ and "State Department Store” /603 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value were "Binse” (MNT 28 million 98 thousand and 700), "Darkhan Nekhii” (MNT three million 787 thousand 400), “Remicon” (MNT 592 thousand and 880), “State Department Store” (MNT 332 thousand and 856) and "Hermes Center” (MNT 181 thousand and 560).
The total market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 557 billion 398 million 82 thousand and 348. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 15,547.65, decreasing 44.16 units or 0.28% against the previous day.

Stock exchange weekly
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, October 31 (MONTSAME) Five stock trades were held at Mongolia's Stock Exchange on October 27-31 of 2014. In overall, 199 thousand and 626 shares were sold of 40 joint-stock companies totaling MNT 147 million 369 thousand and 877.78.
"Binse” /167 thousand and 950 units/, "Remicon” /14 thousand and 408 units/, "APU” /3,532 units/, "Hermes Center” /3,532 units/ and "HBOil” /2,090 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value--"Binse” (MNT 103 million 698 thousand and 700), "APU” (MNT 13 million 92 thousand and 700), "Darkhan Nekhii” /MNT seven million 657 thousand and 400/, "UB-BUK” /MNT three million and 223 thousand/ and "Talkh Chikher” (MNT two million 581 thousand and 900).

Bestsellers named by Internom
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, October 31 (MONTSAME) Internom has named the best-sold books in its stores on October 20-26. The list of bestsellers excludes student books. It was topped by the historic novel by B.Sarantuya “Sorkhugtani”.
The novel unlocks and displays Mongolia’s indefinite history of 50 years from the death of Chinggis Khaan to the Monkh Khaan’s rule, in literary form. The book has been included in this list since its first week in stores.
It was followed by Stieg Larsson’s “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest”, and “Lean In: Women, Work and Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg, a director of Facebook Inc. and one of the “100 Most Influential People” by Time Magazine.
The other bestsellers were: “Life is Full of Opportunity If You Change 1 percent”, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson; “I (My Little Pony)” by Twilight Sparkle; Oxford English-Mongolian and Mongolian-English pocket dictionaries; “The Law” by Frederic Bastiat; “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Markuez; and “The Girl Who Played with Fire” by Stieg Larsson.

New Mongolian footwear factory strives to meet domestic demands
By B. Dulguun
November 2 (UB Post) A new Mongolian footwear factory, selected for the government’s program funded by the Chinggis Bond to increase exports and decrease imports, opened on Saturday.
Best Shoes was established in 2011, with four employees. The company used to manufacture 60 to 70 pairs of shoes a month. Now, the company is capable of manufacturing 500 to 800 pairs of shoes a day, thanks to the opening of its new factory. The factory, with over 70 employees, is fully equipped with the latest technology and equipment from Italy and Germany.
“By operating a conveyor network system in our new, 1,134 cubic meter building, we are now able to provide 30 percent of the supply for the domestic footwear market,” announced B.Tuvdennyam, the president of Best Shoes.
B.Tuvdennyam started his shoe business by making shoes on the balcony of his home, and worked his way up until he established a large, modern factory. He said his goal is to develop his products into a global brand, and to create amicable and comfortable conditions for his employees so that they can be content and satisfied with jobs in their native country, Mongolia.
During the opening ceremony, Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag emphasized, “Mongolians are now able to manufacture the best quality footwear domestically. It’s vital to support one another now. The law enforcement and defense sectors should begin purchasing work shoes and boots from here, instead of from foreign countries. ”
Apart from shoes, Best Shoes manufactures bags and small leather goods with licenses from Italy, Germany and India, made of calfskin processed in China.

DP holds a party consultation to review internal issues
By Ch. Khaliun
November 2 (UB Post) Authorities of the Democratic Party (DP) held a consultation at the State Palace to discuss internal affairs of the party, and review and exchange views on the current political situation.
A total of 400 administrative workers from all provinces and city districts attended the closed meeting.
The attendees demanded that the party quickly reach a consensus on allowing the head of the government to work with stable support. They reminded party leaders that they won’t leave UB until they can solve the political issues of the party.
The DP’s leader, D.Erdenebat said, “There is no need to call for a meeting of the National Consultative Committee (NCC) because of the draft on the Prime Minister’s dismissal submitted by the Mongolian People’s Party. However, we can call for a meeting of the NCC to change the party’s regulations and rules, or solve the party’s internal issues. If we are divided, then we lose.”
News.mn spoke with the DP’s regional representatives during the closed consultation.
Governor of Govi-Altai Province O.Amgalanbaatar: “The consultation’s atmosphere is fierce. We concluded that the government is working well and reached a consensus that the government should work sustainably. It’s good that the Head of the Government is listening to regional representative’s suggestions and initiations. We believe that initiatives from the party’s primary and secondary units would be implemented by the party’s members. They should support our initiatives.”
Governor of Bulgan Province, Province Head of the DP D.Erdenebat: “Today the party’s primary and secondary units have gathered to discuss internal issues of the party. This isn’t something new. We are discussing the implementation of the party’s policy, results from ‘Mongol Khun 2020’ program, mistakes and sharing experience with each other. We were introduced to the party authority’s position on the current political situation. The President said to ask for citizen’s proposals. We should stop focusing on politics in the Government House. We are standing on a position that if our party’s program is being carried out then members’ suggestions should be considered as well. We broke up many times and conciliated. All members and leaders have agreed that now it is important to not disintegrate the government.”
Governor of Khovd Province, Province Head of the DP D.Tseveenravdan: “The DP has declared 2014 as a year to listen to regional units. I have proposed to hold a session in Khovd Province to exchange views with chairmen. The party’s leader accepted the proposal and today we are running a consultation. This consultation is unique, because it is being held in conjunction with the issue of PM’s dismissal. The party’s primary level members wish for the government to work sustainably. We are discussing the party’s regulations and rules. I think the consultation is being organized at the right time. Because the political situation is difficult, some people are aggressively expressing their opinions, but we all agree that government should work sustainably.”

N.Enkhbayar: Bakery products can also slim you down
November 2 (UB Post) A new type of profession, that of a fitness doctor that works at fitness clubs and gyms, are becoming popular in Mongolia. Although doctors are not trained specifically for this field, a young doctor named N.Enkhbayar is working as a fitness doctor in Mongolia to satiate popular demands.
Below is an interview with Internal Medicines Resident Physician at the State Central Third Hospital, fitness doctor and trainer at Golden Gym N.Enkhbayar. He graduated from the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences in 2003.
Why did you choose to work in a fitness club as a doctor? Have you done any related work before?
Social issues affected my decision. As I studied in my sixth year, I started having difficulties as I had no fixed salary. Everyone is aware of a [doctor’s] profession. Eight to ten years of study are required for the profession as it demands high responsibility. It was hard to work while studying since it has too much workload and pressure. Then, I found a job advertisement on Biz Network website and went to meet the employer. I was hired [at Golden Gym fitness club] as a part-time employee as I had to adjust my work hours with my school timetable. I’ve been working as a fitness doctor for almost two years.
Since your clients are people who want to slim down, improve their body figure or cure form illnesses, are any special researches or studies necessary?
I participated in organizing seven shows for adults and two shows for students and children, and provided consultations for health and diet related issues. From a perspective, this work is becoming a new research topic as well as a quest. Many lessons about healthy diet and exercise are taught at the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. It’s important to effectively lose weight in a short period of time through healthy methodologies when you have lack of movement in daily life and are suffering from obesity. The second winner of the second competition of Golden Gym had to discharge from a hospital to receive their award. This person was diagnosed with fatigue syndrome from excessive exercise. It would be unfortunate if future competition winners are enlisted to hospitals like so. I realized that we have to work with clients so that they don’t get too exhausted and replenish their energy with plenty of food.
People shouldn’t get exhausted from actively engaging in fitness sports. On the contrary, their work productivity should be rejuvenated. Mongolians have incorrect information about protein. People training in fitness can take suitable amount of protein for effectively losing weight without fatigue. This will not show any negative effects.
Can you share an example of someone who lost weight in a short time without exhausting themselves?
There was a participant who lost 51 kg in three months without developing fatigue. Even so, that person was eating and drinking the same amount as other people during the award ceremony at a New Year party. Since I started working here in the fitness club, I’ve been working hard on providing correct information about diets and exercise to instructors and trainers. It’ll be more beneficial to customers if instructors are more aware and knowledgeable about this.
Golden Gym used to suggest network health products. Was it really a healthy way for losing weight?
A year ago, Golden Gym had a fitness club named Herbalife. This method has been proven to develop fatigue among customers so it’s no longer effective. There were people who exercised without consuming Herbalife products. Weight can be managed by only monitoring your diet and exercise. Not everyone has to use protein.
Are there any exercise programs for people with sicknesses or chronic diseases? Doctors advise cardiac patients to run or jog.
We often get clients who’ve been doing office work (seated work) for decades and are getting heart strokes. We suggest exercises that’ll adjust to their workload. Frequently, people actively exercise on the first day and later suffer from muscle-ache. Pressure and workload have to be managed properly. The person exercising will not be overstrained if the exercise repetition is gradually increased. Gold Gym keeps competition participants under cardiac medical control and takes video records of them.
Blood sugar level of participant Gansukh in our “Turkhunduu” (In-shape) Show was 27 mg/dL. He had to regularly get insulin shots and consume painkillers because of constant headache. Approximately 21 days after entering the competition, he lost 11 kg and his blood sugar level dropped to 5.5 mg/dL. The competition finished over a month ago but his body condition is still normal. It’s possible to stay healthy by mobilizing your body with healthy diet without wasting money on medications and injections.
I work at the endocrinology department of the State Central Third Hospital. Insulin is crucial for people with too much glucose in their blood. All sorts of diseases, including back pain, diabetes, high blood sugar, and thick blood, are becoming common due to obesity caused by seated work and driving cars. Heart strokes and hemorrhage in brain are common these days. In some cases, people are passing away in their sleep. This type of death is caused from high blood pressure stroke between hardened arteries. You can prevent this by exercising.
Fat and muscle ratio appears to be important. Are people who aren’t overweight but have no muscle mass also deemed somewhat lethargic?
We diagnose clients with a Tanita Inner Scan monitor, which measures muscle and fat levels. What would happen if 10 kg muscle is lost while you diet to lose 10 kg weight? If muscles are reduced, subjects will be worn-out and will not be able to cope with the pressure. Even skin, hair and nails will revive its color if fat is burnt. Their body will become lighter, enhancing their productivity. You need to be aware of the necessity to consume food before and after exercising to lose weight healthily.
Some people prioritize banning bakery products to lose weight. The main food for the brain is carbohydrate, which is flour. Flour and bakery products should be consumed appropriately. It’s wrong to prohibit it totally. These products are sources for energy. It breaks down muscle glycogen (sugar stored in muscles).
When you understand the complex structure of the human body physiology, you’ll be able to know which food you need to consume. Even if you exercise in a different gym, you’ll be able to manage your diet and exercise without the help of a trainer or medical assistance. If you eat white bread and lie around, you will gain weight.  If you adjust how much you eat and exercise, this will become energy and burn fat.
There’s a method for slimming down that is widely spread throughout society which involves not consuming any meat products and food after 6 p.m. Is this effective?
If you eat tsuivan (noodle dish with vegetables and meat) at 17:30 and lie on the sofa, you will obviously gain weight. After eating a meaty dish for lunch, you can eat as much vegetable, fruit, salad and dairy products as you like without consuming more meat. You can even eat a salad in the middle of the night. Your hunger isn’t a matter of your stomach rumbling but a signal indicating that the blood sugar level going to your brain is low. Obviously, you should limit milk with high fat percentage and reduce the amount of egg yolk and mayonnaise in the salad.
Can thin people exercise to gain weight?
Indeed. Anyone can engage in fitness sports since it’s a sport designed to fix your figure. You can exercise to gain weight. You have to exercise in fitness clubs to get a beautiful and strong body without suffering from fatigue.
Is there an age limit for developing muscles? Is there any prohibition for using protein?
Artificial protein shouldn’t be used by children under the age of 18, pregnant women and people with heart rhythm disorder. Mongolians often make the mistake by substituting protein for food or over consuming. This is hastiness for trying to build muscles. Protein will become a vitamin if used consistent to one’s weight, but if over used, it’ll become poison. It’s the same as degrading your kidney by using vitamin C on a daily basis. Over consuming protein will harm your liver, brain and kidney. Having children frequently do light exercises combined with stretching is very effective for bone growth and developing a healthy lifestyle.
Source: http://mongolnews.mn/1clo

M.Urantsetseg captures gold at Grand Slam Abu Dhabi
By M. Zoljargal
November 2 (UB Post) Mongolian judoka M.Urantsetseg has seized her second gold medal of the year at the International Judo Federation Grand Slam 2014 in Abu Dhabi last weekend.
She beat Hungarian judoka Eva Csernoviczki, the Grand Prix Budapest 2014 champion, in the 48 kg final as well as Incheon Asian games bronze medalist Kim Sol Mi from North Korea in the semifinal.
In the preliminary rounds, she faced off against Spanish judoka Julia Figueroa, who won a silver medal at the Grand Prix Zagreb 2014, and Turkish judoka Dilara Lokmanhekim, who is the bronze medalist of the Grand Slam Baku 2014. Her first round opponent was Russian judoka Kristina Rumyantseva.
In the men’s tournament, Mongolian judoka D.Amartuvshin settled for a silver medal as he lost the final to Azerbaijani judoka Orkhan Safarov, champion of the Grand Slam Baku 2014, in the men’s 60 kg divsion.
D.Amartuvshin won against another judoka from Azerbaijan, Ilgar Mushikiyev, who is a bronze medalist of the Grand Slam Tyumen 2014, in the semifinal.
In the preliminaries, his opponents were European Open Prague 2014 champion, Aibek Imashev from Kazakhstan and Lenin Preciado from Ecuador, champion of the Panamerican Open San Salvador 2014.
Mongolian judoka G.Kherlen, who fought in the same weight division as D.Amartuvshin, also showed a brilliant performance and seized a bronze medal in the men’s 60 kg.
His match for bronze was against judoka from Great Britain, Ashley Mckenzie, while his semifinal opponent was Azerbaijani judoka Orkhan Safarov who later won the tournament.
G.Kherlen won against Ludwig Paischer from Austria, champion of the Grand Prix Zagreb 2014, and beat Armenian judoka Hovhannes Davtyan, bronze medalist of the European Championships Montpellier 2014, in the preliminary.
According to the medal tally, Mongolia ranked second, after Azerbaijan. Mongolian female judokas also ranked second after Azerbaijan. In the men’s rank, Mongolia ranked fifth, after Azerbaijan, Russia, Belarus, and the Netherlands.
In total, 186 male and 131 female judokas from across the globe competed in the Grand Slam Abu Dhabi 2014.

“Finding Omar” to showcase the lives of Mongolian repats
By B. Tungalag
November 2 (UB Post) TV Cocktail group is set to release its next film “Finding Omar” on November 6. The group previously made the TV Cocktail television show, “Hello Life” film, “Autumn Syndrome” film, “Piggy bank” film and “Hoyor yertontsiin buudal” drama play.
The following is a brief interview with artist of TV Cocktail A.Unurjargal about their new film “Finding Omar”.
Tell us about “Finding Omar”?
Every creation expresses an idea through its implications. “Finding Omar” will feature Mongolians who were working and living abroad that have come back to their home country and how they are not satisfied with the living condition in Mongolia. I think other artists haven’t mentioned this issue before. That is why our film is different.
Who wrote the script?
Screenwriter J.Sengedorj wrote the script of the film and also directed it. S.Javkhlan and E.Tsolmonbayar of TV Cocktail worked as producers. Cinematographer E.Nergui of Logic film studio also worked on the project. Composer of the Universe album G.Onon wrote the music and approximately 40 percent of the shooting was taken in South Korea with all necessary official approval.
Why was the film named “Finding Omar”?
I want to let the people find out for themselves. If you watch the film, you will definitely understand.
What is TV Cocktail planning in the near future?
We are planning to make a television series with Education television channel starting next month.

Will we shame our Great Khan once again?
By D. Jargalsaikhan
November 2 (UB Post) On October 25 of 2012, Parliament approved a resolution to release medium and long-term securities of up to five billion USD on the international market in order to finance the policy to “accelerate the economy, invest in long-term development, and support exports”. In one month, the new government sold a one billion USD ten-year bond with an interest rate of 5.1 percent, and in January of 2013, sold another five million USD five-year bond with an interest rate of 4.1 percent on the international market. Usually, it is the side giving credit that names a bond program with a name seeped in national pride. However, the Mongolian government, the side borrowing, named this program the “Chinggis Bond”. Chinggis Khan would probably be ashamed, for he conquered the world; he didn’t gather debt.
Five hundred million USD and one billion USD of the Khan’s debt will need to be repaid in January of 2018 and December of 2022 respectively. In addition, 615.6 million USD in interest is to be paid on an semi-annual basis.
Yet, after two years, the Minister who initiated the bond program (and gave it the Khan’s name) has resigned and his ministry is no more. Of the 1.5 billion USD in bond proceeds, 60 percent (or 882 million USD) has already been dispersed and the remaining 40 percent is in savings and is to be allocated to projects in the coming years. Of the dispersed amount, 610 million USD will be repaid from the federal budget (allocated as 252 million USD for roads 252, 40 million USD for the “Gudamj” project, 102 million USD for infrastructure, 20 million USD for power plants, and 194 million USD for new railroads) and 272 million USD will be repaid from project proceeds: the purchase of a Boeing 767 for 2.9 million USD, state housing projects for 60 million USD, agriculture and light industry projects for 152 million USD, 14 million USD in construction, and 27 million USD to fund 888 projects to increase export and replace imports.
CAN THE DEBT BE REPAID ON TIME?
Debt accrued in domestic currency is referred to as government debt, while debt accrued in foreign currency is sovereign debt. The reason for which is that the country itself is the guarantee for foreign debt. If the combined amount of these two types of debt rises above a certain percentage of the economy, the situation becomes risky for both the borrower and the lender. If a household accrues debt that is many times more than their income, they might even lose their home. By law, Mongolian national debt cannot increase to more than 40 percent of our gross domestic product (GDP). However by the third quarter of 2014, the debt level had reached 50 percent. Our government’s total debt is 13.2 trillion MNT, of which 3.9 is foreign debt, 2.1 is domestic securities, 2.7 is foreign securities (Chinggis and Samurai bonds), 2.3 is government guarantees, and 1.6 is the debt of state-owned enterprises. The loans of state-owned enterprises working in the red are almost equal to the Khan’s debt.
Also, the depreciation of the tugrik by 30 percent during the previous year has increased the debt to be paid in U.S. dollars accordingly. The parliamentary approval without knowledge of precisely which projects were to be financed and how it would be repaid goes back, once again, to the issue of “dual roles”. Since the Minister of Economic Development sees the freely dispersed bond proceeds as a “heavenly endowment” and the Prime Minister has stated, “our children will pay for it”, we still haven’t fully decided where to allocate the proceeds, even after two years.
Because the bonds will be repaid from the federal budget – or in other words, by the taxpayers – the credit risk of Mongolia has increased sharply. By taking into consideration the pressures on the federal budget, third parties have recently decreased the credit rating of Mongolia to negative or risky.
IF WE CANNOT REPAY IN TIME…
It is obvious that if we cannot repay the debt accrued in the name of our children, our Great Khan will be shamed once again. Especially since the probability of shaming our Khan is growing increasingly high.
First, three years from now, the government might proclaim that they have no plans to pay 500 million USD in one day, which is equal to the entire federal budget investment, and that it is the problem of the next government. In the draft of the 2015 federal budget, nothing was allocated to the principal of the debt, only the interest payments.
Second, instead of paying attention to the bond proceeds, the Ministry of Finance has drafted a bill to allow national debt to reach 70 percent of GDP and is lobbying for its parliamentary approval.
Third, the restructuring of the ministries is once again decreasing the effectiveness of the public institutions, and negatively impacting their ability to operate in the long-term. Besides which, in the current environment, where we are facing economic crisis with income from mining operations decreasing, foreign investments declining drastically, inflation increasing, and the tugrik dramatically depreciating, the return on the bond investments is also in decline. If Mongolia cannot repay the bond in time, it is possible that Mongolia’s default will be proclaimed throughout the international community and Mongolian accounts held in foreign countries will be frozen. Mongolia’s reputation will fall and, even worse, the trust of the international community in Mongolia will disappear. It will require a decade of effort to reclaim our reputation and the speed of development will be decreased drastically. Our country’s credit risk will rise and the price of foreign debt will increase. When the country’s credit rating falls, it also holds back private companies and makes pulling foreign investment very expensive.
Thus, the development of the economy will be met with many challenges, it will be difficult to be competitive, imports will increase, and the tugrik will depreciate even further.
Economic development requires investment. Because a developing country like ours was unable to implement policies to wisely manage foreign investment to drive growth, we had to start relying on foreign debt.
In order to not shame the Great Khan, it is up to everyone to pay down this “great debt” through his or her taxes. When will the Mongolian government start implementing intelligent policies?
Trans. by G.Munkh-Ariun

The struggles of the Sainshand Industrial Complex
November 2 (UB Post) In the middle of October, I went to the Sainshand Industrial Complex. I hoped that the construction work of the complex was operating effectively, but locked doors and dark tunnels welcomed me on my arrival.
Three years have been spent building the complex, which is still not operational, and the project’s executing company has been unable to pay its workers.
Bechtel Corporation of the U.S. was selected as a general advisor to the project in 2011, and Mongolia paid 2.4 million USD for the project’s master plan, preliminary prefeasibility studies, a contract for the plant’s establishment, financing structure, and planning.
At the time the two sides signed the cooperation agreement, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission L.Zorig emphasized, “The impact of the project on the Mongolian economy is much higher than the Oyu Tolgoi and Tavan Tolgoi projects.”
During the first phase of the project, the relevant officials noted that over 10,000 workers would work on the construction of the complex, 2,400 people would be provided with jobs during the exploitation process, and a new settlement for 21,000 residents would be established.
But in reality, everything is quite different from what the officials were promoting.
Vice Minister of the Industry and Agriculture B.Tsogtgerel noted, “There are environmental and political issues to building the complex. If these problems are fixed, the construction work will be conducted effectively. This issue is beyond our ministry and the vice minister’s authority.”
There is a clear estimation that an investment of over 11 billion USD is needed to build the Sainshand Industrial Complex: 4.33 billion USD for constructing the infrastructure and establishing a settlement, and 6.67 billion USD to build the plant. The total cost of the project is several times higher than the gross domestic product, so the Sainshand Industrial Complex Company aimed to cooperate with domestic and foreign investors.
But who will invest in a place where the railway and electricity haven’t been established yet?
If the state could release 200 to 300 million USD for the establishment of its infrastructure, it would be easier to introduce the project to foreign companies to attract investment. Unfortunately, the state budget did not reflect any funds for the project last year, or even this year.
The Sainshand Industrial Complex Company has been unable to pay its workers since April, and it owes a debt of 300 to 400 million MNT to the social guarantee fund.
One of their workers said, “Due to the lack of funding, a financial statement was sent to the workers and many workers were laid off. Currently, very few full-time workers, especially engineers, are working in Dornogovi Province. They did not receive a single tugrug as a part of their salary.”
D.Ganbold, the head of the Heavy Industry Department, expressed that the Sainshand Industrial Complex funding issue was discussed twice during parliamentary sessions, but it did not gain support.
Isn’t it regrettable to leave the project after thinking about how much money was spent on it (2.4 million USD for the master plan and then 14 billion MNT from the state budget)?
The Sainshand Industrial Complex included coke, cathode copper, iron pellet, cement and steel producing factories. Among them, the steel producing factory was expected to lead the rest in productivity.
The steel factory was planned to be capable of producing two to five million tons of steel per year. The Fluor Corporation, which conducts engineering and construction activity, concluded that it was able to build this plant in Mongolia.
Also, three big foreign companies expressed their willingness to cooperate with Mongolia to establish the steel producing factory.
An official of the Heavy Industry Department underlined that Mongolia is able to become like Taiwan, where equipment for many small and medium enterprises is produced.
Based on these projections, project supporters believe that the GDP could increase by 20 to 30 percent and a significant change would be brought to our economy.
Fluor suggested that Mongolia’s per capita GDP could reach 10,000 USD if the complex was at full operational capacity.
Whether the complex is saved or not now depends on the decisions of the State.
The Sainshand Industrial Complex, which has laid off its workers and has over 300 million MNT in debt, is not able to make an independent move.
The Vice Minister of Industry and Agriculture said, “We can’t give an accurate answer on when the complex can be built. It will be built after three years, when the railway is constructed.”
By Tsetsegsuren
Source: Unuudur

Paved road between Sukhbaatar and Ulaanbaatar now complete
By M. Zoljargal
November 2 (UB Post) A road running from Undurkhaan to Munkhkhaan and Baruun Urt officially launched on Saturday, completing the paved road from Sukhbaatar to Ulaanbaatar.
The newly opened road stretches 177.9 kilometers and was constructed at the cost of 87.8 billion MNT. It was built under two separate projects coordinated by different project executors.
A team of 650 engineers and builders worked on the projects, with more than 300 trucks and self-driven vehicles.
The projects’ coordinators and state officials hope to save both the time and travel expenses of residents with the completion of the new road.
Speaker of the Parliament Z.Enkhbold officiated at the opening and said that the government plans to build 5,400 km of road by 2016, and that almost 50 percent of the work has been completed over the past two years.
Since 2012, a total of six provinces have been linked to the capital city with paved road, while six more have opened within only two years, said the Speaker.
A new 263 kilometers of the road between Ulaanbaatar and Khuvsgul Province will open shortly to make it easier for the public to travel to the popular destination.

Leather industry complex to be established in Shar Khutsiin Khooloi
By B. Mendbayar
November 2 (UB Post) A leather industry complex was resolved to be established in Shar Khutsiin Khooloi during the cabinet meeting held on October 31.
The Government approved changing clause No. 1 of Government Resolution Number 249, a directive to create a “cluster leather industry complex in a location called Shar Khutsiin Khooloi, located in khoroo 14 of Khan-Uul district, Ulaanbaatar.”
An objective to build new infrastructure for establishing leather industry complexes outside of Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan is included in the Government’s 2012-2016 Action Plan. In addition, 2012′s Parliament Resolution No. 74 obligated the government to phase-in the relocation of leather manufacturers to a new industrial zone. Government Resolution No. 249, titled “Some Measures to Take Regarding Leather Manufacturing”, was approved in July 2013.
Minister of Industry and Agriculture Sh.Tuvdendorj and City Governor E.Bat-Uul were made responsible for the immediate construction of infrastructure for Ulaanbaatar’s leather industry complex, and a modern wastewater treatment plant with advanced technology to treat, purify and reuse wastewater, in cooperation with the Ministry of Roads, Transportation, Construction and Urban Development, starting in November 2014.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog