Prime Minister of Mongolia, L. Oyun-Erdene, participated in the launch of the “Go Mongolia” national tourism brand event on March 28, 2024, in Seoul, as part of his working visit to South Korea.

During his official visit to the Republic of Korea in February 2023, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene launched the “Years to Visit Mongolia” with the “Welcome to Mongolia” event.

At the opening of the Go Mongolia event, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to tourists, investors, hospitality workers, airlines, media, film industry professionals, celebrities, influencers, and content creators for their significant contributions to the development of tourism  in Mongolia.

Highlighting Mongolia’s economic progress, the Prime Minister stated, “In 2023, Mongolia’s economy witnessed an eight percent growth, ranking 22nd globally in terms of economic expansion. This growth, doubling our gross domestic product, owes much to the burgeoning tourism sector alongside mining.”

Addressing the substantial influx of South Korean tourists, the Prime Minister remarked, “Last year, one in every three tourists visiting Mongolia came from South Korea. The Mongolian government has granted visa-free entry for Korean citizens, a policy that will persist.”

Furthermore, the Prime Minister underscored the impact of the visits of Korean entertainment personalitiesto Mongolia, stating, “Famous Korean singers and actors, adored by Mongolian youth, have journeyed to our country, creating valuable content that showcases Mongolia’s beauty. Currently, one in every three Korean media channels airs programs about Mongolia.”

During the event, it was highlighted that Mongolia expanded its flight connections from 26 destinations in 10 countries to 155 destinations in 42 countries in 2023. This year, flights will be extended to 379 destinations in 52 countries, with plans to gradually increase flights between Mongolia and Korea while reinstating domestic flights within Mongolia.

Highlighting Mongolia’s dedication to tourist safety, the Prime Minister emphasized the streamlined and digitized tourism services. Mongolia’s progress in e-governance, as demonstrated by an 18-place increase in the e-governance index, was acknowledged internationally. Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed the extensive availability of “Starlink” high-speed Internet service across Mongolia.

Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene unveiled the joint initiative between Mongolia and Korea to establish the “Blue Spotted” tourism route, inviting participation from the United States, India, the European Union, and many Central Asian countries.

During his visit, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene will meet with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and engage with representatives from South Korea’s tourism sector.

Highlights from the Cabinet meeting on March 27

Expanded Hours for Cargo Transportation between Mongolia and China

Starting April 1st, cargo transportation between Mongolia’s Zamiin-Uud Port and China’s Erlian Port will operate 24/7. Cabinet member B. Tulga, also Chairman of the National Committee for Port Recovery, has been tasked with organizing and preparing for this extended operation, effective until September 30, 2024.

Draft Law to Mitigate Climate Change Effects on Livestock Husbandry

During the session, D. Amarbayasgalan, Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat, introduced a draft law aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on traditional livestock husbandry. The proposed legislation outlines measures to enhance resilience against natural challenges and climate impacts, including support for cooperative initiatives and providing loans to herders joining cooperatives. These loans, fully guaranteed by the loan guarantee fund, aim to bolster the competitiveness of livestock products. Additionally, the draft law specifies the establishment of cooperatives tailored to regional characteristics, as well as obligations and support mechanisms for herders and cooperatives involved in fodder planting.

Accelerating E-Transition in Healthcare

The Cabinet was briefed by a working group, established by order of the Prime Minister, on progress in advancing the e-transition of healthcare. Following the cabinet meeting, Minister of Digital Development and Communications N. Uchral announced that the E-Mongolia system would include seven medical services, such as prescriptions, children’s treatment records, and patient medical histories.

Addressing Hepatitis D Virus Prevalence

Minister of Health S. Chinzorig presented the Cabinet with the current status of hepatitis D virus infection in Mongolia, highlighting its high prevalence and associated complications, including liver cirrhosis and cancer. The World Health Organization estimates that five percent of individuals infected with the B virus also have co-infections with the D virus, potentially affecting up to 66 thousand people in Mongolia. In response, the Ministry of Health has allocated significant funds towards the “Eleg Buten Mongol” program and initiatives to enhance diagnostic capacity and early detection in rural communities.

On March 25, Prime Minister of Mongolia, L. Oyun-Erdene, received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mongolia, Igawahara Masaru.

Ambassador Igawahara Masaru announced Japan’s decision to provide humanitarian aid to Mongolia to address the natural challenges posed by Dzud, which have affected herders. He handed over a letter from Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene.

At the outset of the meeting, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene underscored the consistent support of the Japanese government and people towards Mongolia’s sustainable development in both society and economy. He extended sincere gratitude on behalf of the Mongolian government and people to Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Organization, and the Japanese people for their humanitarian aid in overcoming the challenges posed by Dzud. He also highlighted the Government of Mongolia’s proactive measures to address the harsh winter and spring conditions swiftly.

Ambassador Igawahara Masaru expressed hope that Japan’s assistance would significantly benefit herders, enabling them to mitigate the risks of natural disasters with minimal damage and resume their normal lives.

Throughout the meeting, the parties discussed enhancing the “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity” between Mongolia and Japan, including deepening dialogue and reciprocal visits across all levels and expanding mutually beneficial economic cooperation.

Moreover, they expressed a shared aspiration to broaden and enhance “people-centered” relations and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations in 2024, marking the 50th anniversary of cultural relations between Mongolia and Japan.