Prime Minister N. Uchral met with private sector representatives and investors on May 6, outlining a series of reforms aimed at improving Mongolia’s investment climate, reducing bureaucracy, and expanding economic freedom.

The government plans to gradually phase out energy sector subsidies by 2029 and has approved a “green resolution” aimed at reducing dependence on imported fuel and energy. Tenders will soon be launched for privately financed solar power and battery storage projects in Orkhon, Uvurkhangai, Khentii, Dundgovi, and Govisumber provinces, the Prime Minister noted.

The Prime Minister also announced planned tax reforms aimed at easing the burden on businesses and citizens, alongside a proposed Economic Freedom Law designed to limit government restrictions on business activity. Under the framework, restrictions could only be imposed on the grounds of national security, public interest, or fair competition.

Prime Minister N. Uchral said existing regulations across 41 laws currently restrict foreign investment in multiple sectors. Amendments are planned in 16 sectors to remove unnecessary barriers and create a more investor-friendly environment.

Planned legal reforms would also strengthen the independence of the Mongol Bank and open the door for foreign banks to enter the market.

Mongolia is additionally preparing to launch major industrial projects, including steel and copper processing complexes, a gold refinery, an aluminum industrial park, and oil refinery facilities.

As Mongolia marks its annual “Taxpayer Days,” now in its 27th year, an event was held to honor top taxpayers who have fulfilled their obligations with integrity.

Prime Minister N. Uchral used the occasion to deliver a clear message: “There is no such thing as state money – only taxpayers’ money.” He stressed that public spending, from salaries to infrastructure, is entirely funded by taxes paid by citizens and businesses.

Calling tax payment “one of the most patriotic acts in times of peace,” the Prime Minister positioned taxpayers as the backbone of national development.

The Government is pushing forward its “Free Up” initiative to dismantle bureaucratic barriers holding back businesses and individuals. The measures focus on four pillars: economic liberalization, legal reform, green development, and anti-corruption.

Amid global uncertainty, rising fuel costs, and logistical disruptions, the Government signaled a decisive shift: less reliance on the state and greater trust in the private sector and free competition.

In a concrete first step, 12 liberalization decisions have already been adopted within the Government’s first month in office, an early sign of its intent to move from policy promises to real action.

n May 2, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia N. Nomtoibayar visited the Zamiin-Uud Free Economic Zone in Dornogovi Province, calling for urgent legal reforms and stronger efforts to attract investment.

N. Nomtoibayar said the zone’s development must align with Mongolia’s regional policy, while expanding economic cooperation with China.

Despite more than USD 100 million invested over the past two decades across its 900 hectares, the zone has yet to deliver expected results. The government now plans to overhaul the legal and policy framework to create a more attractive investment environment.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the zone will prioritize export-oriented industries, particularly value-added food and agricultural products. At the same time, it will support the development of sectors not viable domestically, including certain construction materials, renewable energy, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.

Currently, 16 companies operate in the zone. Core infrastructure built between 2011 and 2017, including utilities, roads, and communications, now requires upgrades to meet rising demand.

N. Nomtoibayar instructed officials to assess investment needs and take concrete steps to attract investors and accelerate development.

Truth begins with the freedom to express one’s views. Journalism carries a profound responsibility, as reflected in the saying that the lives of others lie at the tip of a journalist’s pen.

On behalf of the Government of Mongolia, I extend my greetings to all journalists who inform and enlighten society through fact-based reporting.

Freedom of expression is the cornerstone of democracy. The Government’s “Free up” initiative seeks to free the country from bureaucracy, pressure, and corruption, and its success depends on a free and independent press.

Mongolia’s rise by 17 places in the World Press Freedom Index reflects meaningful progress. I have consistently supported freedom of expression and will continue working to ensure a safe and independent environment for journalism.

When expression is free, truth prevails and democracy endures.

Uchral Nyam-Osor,
Prime Minister of Mongolia

Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia N. Nomtoibayar received H.E. Başak Genç Yüksel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to Mongolia, on May 1, 2026.

At the outset of the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed Mongolia’s readiness to expand relations and cooperation with the Republic of Türkiye across all sectors and exchanged views on economic cooperation and investment.

He noted that despite geographical distance, both sides are committed to strengthening economic ties and deepening bilateral relations. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation with international partners within the framework of regional development policy and to improve the legal environment for free zones.

Ambassador Başak Genç Yüksel expressed Türkiye’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation with Mongolia, including through the implementation of joint projects and programs. She conveyed appreciation for Mongolia’s support and assistance during the earthquake disasters that occurred in southeastern Türkiye in 2023, and expressed readiness to expand cooperation in emergency management, regional development, and standardization.

Prime Minister of Mongolia N. Uchral met with representatives of the Confederation of Mongolian Trade Unions on International Workers’ Day.

During the meeting, the Confederation presented four key demands: curbing price increases, ensuring fiscal discipline, increasing employment, and strengthening social partnership.

The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the Confederation’s cooperation in increasing the salaries of doctors and teachers, noting that the wage increase took effect on May 1, 2026.

The Government will review the proposals and address specific issues at Cabinet meetings, the Prime Minister said.

He also emphasized that the state budget for next year will focus on eliminating overlapping functions, strengthening human resources in priority sectors, and avoiding uniform spending cuts across all sectors.

Furthermore, Cabinet members have been instructed to incorporate trade union proposals and positions into the drafting of the state budget.

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G. Damdinnyam briefed Prime Minister N. Uchral on the outcome of his visits to Russia and Kazakhstan, focused on fuel supply and energy cooperation.

G. Damdinnyam said he held talks with Russian officials on fuel supply and delivered an official letter from the prime minister to the Russian counterpart. He also met Russia’s energy minister and executives of energy companies, reaching a preliminary agreement to address current supply challenges.

Russia has indicated it will supply fuel to Mongolia at domestic market prices, he said, adding that this will keep fuel prices stable in May.

Separately, Kazakhstan has expressed readiness to supply Mongolia with up to one million tonnes of crude oil annually, and the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the oil sector.

Highlights from the cabinet meeting on April 22

Cabinet revises pay structure to boost teachers’ take-home pay

A previously announced 50% salary increase for teachers was not effectively implemented, leaving take-home pay largely unchanged and the pay structure unclear.

At its April 22 meeting, the Cabinet decided to fully implement the 50% raise, effective May 1. Base salaries for teachers and staff will increase by 50%, with allowances and additional payments recalculated from the revised base.

The Cabinet also approved a national program, “Free Every Mongolian Child from Learning Loss,” and adopted measures to accelerate education investment, expand access to kindergartens and schools, and reduce overcrowding.

Prime Minister N. Uchral halts Tuul River Expressway project

The government suspended the “Tuul River Expressway” project after repeated objections from citizens, political parties and researchers over environmental impact, economic viability and financing.

Prime Minister N. Uchral emphasized the need to clarify public confusion and establish the facts surrounding the project. He said the project will remain suspended pending investigations by law enforcement and oversight bodies.

Cabinet warns of fuel-driven economic risks

The Cabinet was briefed on rising risks as Middle East tensions push up global oil prices, increasing pressure on domestic fuel costs.

Diesel and AI-92 gasoline prices are rising faster than Brent crude, heightening inflation risks and likely increasing costs in transport, mining, agriculture and trade.

The government has submitted an urgent bill on import tariffs to parliament and is in talks with Russia and Kazakhstan to secure fuel supplies and contain price increases.

Ministries have been ordered to roll out short-term response plans as the government steps up its measures.

Prime Minister N. Uchral attended the opening of the extension to School No. 62 in Songinokhairkhan district on April 22, 2026.

Funding for the project was first allocated in the state budget in 2018, but construction was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and legal disputes. Previously, students at School No. 62 studied in three shifts, with some attending classes in rented facilities. With the completion of the new extension, which has capacity for 640 students, the school will transition to a two-shift system.

Prime Minister N. Uchral said he was pleased to return to the constituency where he was first elected to parliament 10 years ago, now as prime minister. He said efforts had focused on addressing shortages of schools and kindergartens in the area, including building new facilities and expanding existing schools to eliminate triple shifts.

“It is rewarding to see the results of the work we have carried out,” he said.

He said the government will clear education institutions’ outstanding liabilities to social and health insurance funds. As a result, teachers and staff will no longer face obstacles in accessing pensions, leave, healthcare, loans, or visas due to unpaid contributions.

Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s newly approved strategy, “Free Every Mongolian Child from Learning Loss.” The strategy includes targeted programs, continuous teacher development, improved access to quality schools, and fair and transparent assessments.

Prime Minister N. Uchral said the government will stop building IT systems and open public service APIs to the private sector, aiming to drive a digital economy through competition.

“The state will not be a developer, but a regulator,” the Prime Minister said, adding that no budget will be allocated for system development next year. “We will follow global best practices.”

Under the plan, the government will halt development of public service apps and shift to open APIs, unified standards, and data exchange infrastructure. State databases and digital systems will be made secure and standardized, enabling private firms to deliver services.

Government procurement will prioritize domestic IT developers, and the state will remove legal and regulatory barriers, said the Prime Minister N. Uchral. “The shift would boost innovation, speed and service quality, with positive economic and social impact.”

Official data show Mongolia has 13,526 registered software systems and licenses across 4,119 state and locally owned entities. The government accounts for 73% of system development and maintenance, compared with 27% by the private sector.

Over the past decade, MNT 104 billion from the state budget, along with USD 226.7 million in foreign loans and aid, has been invested in system development and digital infrastructure.