Mongolian
Highlights from the Cabinet meeting on April 16
Emphasis placed on increasing coal exports
During its regular meeting, the Cabinet instructed Cabinet member and Chair of the National Committee on Port Recovery B. Tulga, Minister of Road and Transport B. Delgersaikhan, and other relevant officials to promptly facilitate the export of coal purchased by enterprises that have signed long-term agreements with Erdenes Tavantolgoi JSC, through a designated special border gate. The management of Erdenes Tavantolgoi JSC was also tasked with preparing coal for sale under these agreements, increasing production, and ensuring smooth and timely shipments.
Due to falling coal prices and market uncertainty, the coal loading and unloading area at Mongolia’s main export port, Gashuunsukhait–Gantsmod, has become congested, slowing down coal exports.
In the first quarter of this year, Mongolia exported 17.5 million tons of coal, a decrease of 3.3 percent compared to the same period last year. The drop in coal prices has also negatively impacted trading on the mining products exchange. Erdenes Tavantolgoi JSC conducted 47 trades on the exchange during the first quarter, with only 12 successful transactions and 35 unsuccessful ones.
In response, the Cabinet approved a resolution to ensure that coal sold under long-term agreements passes through a designated special border gate without delay.
Mongolia’s foreign currency reserves reach USD 5.2 billion
Finance Minister B. Javkhlan delivered an update on the current state of mining exports and foreign currency reserves.
Export earnings totaled USD 278 million for the week, a 17 percent increase from the previous week, primarily driven by a 25 percent rise in coal exports to 1.9 million tons.
Despite ongoing coal stockpiles at the Gashuunsukhait border port, exports to the People’s Republic of China increased during the past week and are expected to continue rising. At the same time, the Shiveekhuren border port reported coal exports of 758,000 tons last week – its highest weekly figure so far this year.
The Mongolian mining product exchange also recorded its highest weekly coal trading volume of the year, with 480,000 tons traded. Exports of other mining products are also on the rise. Copper concentrate exports increased by 2 percent to 42,000 tons, while iron ore exports rose 14 percent to 177,000 tons.
As of April 15, 2025, Mongolia’s foreign currency reserves stood at USD 5.2 billion, reflecting an increase of more than USD 230 million from the previous week. To further strengthen foreign currency inflows, the Minister of Finance outlined additional measures to be implemented.
Cabinet approves development plans for the Khangai region
As part of Mongolia’s Regional Development Policy, an expanded meeting of the Khangai Regional Council was held on April 14, 2025, in Arkhangai Province. Based on the recommendations adopted at the meeting, the Cabinet made the following decisions:
1. Accelerating development in the Khangai region:
Launch the Thermal Power Plant Project in Arkhangai Province with concessional financing from the Export-Import Bank of the Republic of Korea and resolve stagnation in the Thermal Power Plant Projects in Bayankhongor and Uvurkhangai provinces;
Conduct a detailed environmental impact assessment for the Baidrag Hydropower Plant Project;
Implement 10 MW solar power plants and 20 MWh battery storage systems in each province of the region through public-private partnerships by 2026;
Assess and secure financing for the development of feasibility studies for regional road projects;
Construct and develop infrastructure such as water supply and wastewater treatment systems at key tourism destinations in the region;
Support the processing of animal-based raw materials, and promote agriculture, food production, and related services.
2. Developing the Khangai region as a specialized tourism area:
Develop and implement a regional tourism development plan with the involvement of non-governmental organizations and professional associations;
Study and draft legislation related to land allocation for tourism services to citizens, businesses, and organizations;
Review and resolve funding issues for the Museum of History, Ethnography, and Natural History in Bayankhongor Province and the construction of the Orkhon Valley World Heritage Site Protection Administration building in Kharkhorin soum, Uvurkhangai Province.
In connection with the upcoming 390th birth anniversary of Undur Gegeen Zanabazar – a prominent figure in Mongolia’s statehood, religious, and cultural history – to be commemorated in 2025, the necessary funding will be allocated from the Government Reserve Fund.
