S&P Global Ratings has upgraded Mongolia’s sovereign credit rating from “B+ (positive)” to “BB- (stable)”, the country’s strongest rating in 13 years.
The upgrade reflects improved fiscal discipline, debt management, and sustained economic growth. Since taking office, Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar has amended the 2025 budget, cutting spending by MNT 2.2 trillion and reducing the fiscal deficit. The government also boosted coal exports and foreign currency inflows, helping foreign reserves reach a historic high.
S&P highlighted Mongolia’s strengthened budget performance driven by mining exports, a declining debt-to-GDP ratio, and expectations of continued steady growth with a relatively low deficit over the next one to two years. The agency also expects consistent policy implementation despite domestic political developments.
The move follows other positive ratings actions in 2025: Fitch affirmed Mongolia at “B+, Stable”, and Moody’s upgraded the country to “B1, Stable.” This is S&P’s second upgrade for Mongolia in two years.
The higher rating is expected to reduce Mongolia’s external borrowing costs, strengthen the credit outlook for banks and businesses, and boost investor confidence.
Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar has established a Special Working Group to combat corruption and theft in the mining sector and state-owned companies. The group includes representatives from the General Intelligence Directorate, the Independent Authority Against Corruption, the National Police Agency, the General Customs Administration, the Mongolian Tax Administration, and all ministries.
The working group will review and provide recommendations on a draft law aimed at identifying the causes of corruption and official misconduct and strengthening the legal framework.
The Prime Minister instructed the group to focus on developing laws on whistleblower protection and enhancing the national system for witnesses and victims. He also highlighted the importance of amending the Law on State and Official Secrets, ensuring contract transparency, and establishing public oversight.


At its regular meeting on October 1, the Cabinet discussed and resolved several key issues concerning energy restoration, social welfare, foreign economic cooperation, and the 2026 state budget.
Energy Restoration Efforts
A major focus of the meeting was the ongoing restoration of Thermal Power Plant III, which experienced an accident at its high-pressure section. The Ministry of Energy reported that five major measures are underway to restore operations, including equipment replacement and reconstruction of fire-damaged facilities.
Three packages of work, now 90 percent complete, are scheduled for completion before the peak winter demand, while the remaining two will be finalized before the following winter. With prompt financial and legal support from the Government, restoration has progressed successfully. Officials emphasized that disruptions in Ulaanbaatar’s heating supply have been eliminated, while electricity production is expected to reach 50 percent of last year’s level. The remaining demand will be met by new energy sources.

Revised Social Welfare Regulation
The Cabinet also revised and approved the Regulation on Aiding and Benefits to Persons with Developmental Challenges. First adopted under Government Resolution No. 197 in 2017, the regulation has been updated to simplify the provision of assistance from the Social Welfare Fund and to resolve challenges encountered in its implementation. Under the new rules, citizens will no longer be required to submit paper documents already available through the ehalamj.mn welfare system and the E-Mongolia public service platform.

Cross-Border Economic Cooperation with China
In foreign economic cooperation, the Government approved the General Plan for the Joint Development of the Mongolia–China Zamiin-Uud and Erlian Economic Cooperation Zone, following the intergovernmental agreement signed between the two countries. Deputy Prime Minister S. Amarsaikhan and Minister of Foreign Affairs B. Battsetseg were tasked with overseeing implementation, while other Cabinet members were instructed to support development of the free zone in line with existing legislation.
Preparations for the 2026 State Budget
The meeting also reviewed progress on preparations for the 2026 State Budget. According to the draft budget law submitted to parliament, a total of 579 projects and measures are included for financing, comprising 149 new initiatives and 430 continuing projects.
Highlights of the Cabinet Meeting on September 24
Cabinet Reviews Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030)
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development N.Uchral presented the draft of Mongolia’s Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030) to the Cabinet.
Following the discussion, N.Uchral was tasked with finalizing the draft, incorporating the Cabinet’s recommendations in line with relevant laws and long-term development policies, and resubmitting it by October 15.
The draft plan outlines 10 key goals across eight priority areas: Human Development, Social Development, Economic Development, Environment, Governance, Regional Development, National Competitiveness, and Science and Technology. These align with Mongolia’s long-term development vision.
Government Launches Digital First Initiative Across Public Services
The Cabinet approved the Digital First policy to accelerate Mongolia’s digital transformation and enhance government efficiency.
The initiative prioritizes technology in decision-making, policy formulation, and service delivery across all levels of government. It calls for abandoning paper-based processes and emphasizes collaboration among citizens, government, and the private sector.
“The Digital First policy sets the principle that all decisions, services, and activities should be electronic, with the full participation of the state, citizens, and legal entities,” said E.Batshugar, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications.
The policy serves as a guiding framework for implementing Mongolia’s long- and medium-term digital development goals, as well as the adoption of advanced technologies.

Mongolia and Australia to Sign Air Services Agreement
The Cabinet approved the draft Air Services Agreement between Mongolia and Australia, authorizing its formal signing.
In October 2024, representatives of the two countries’ civil aviation authorities signed a draft agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral air relations.
The agreement establishes a legal framework for direct flights between Mongolia and Australia, opening new opportunities for domestic carriers, expanding access to international logistics networks, and strengthening tourism, trade, investment, and economic ties.
Mongolia and Australia established diplomatic relations in 1972 and have since expanded cooperation in politics, education, mining, trade, culture, and civil aviation.
Economic Development Board Re-Established
The Cabinet re-established the Economic Development Board, tasked with providing research-based policy recommendations and professional support to the Prime Minister. Its new composition and operating regulations were also approved.
The Board includes:
- The Prime Minister
- Deputy Prime Ministers and relevant Cabinet members
- Governor of the Bank of Mongolia
- Chairman of the Financial Regulatory Commission
- Representatives from the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, professional associations, universities, and major enterprises

Draft National Strategy for Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Discussed
Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications E.Batshugar presented the draft National Strategy for Big Data and Artificial Intelligence to the Cabinet.
Ministers were instructed to integrate the strategy’s objectives, measures, and indicators into the draft Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030).
The strategy outlines 66 measures to be implemented in two stages (2026–2030) across 13 methods and four objectives. Key goals include:
- Developing an AI ecosystem and export-ready models in mining, fintech, and environmental sectors
- Introducing AI applications in healthcare, education, and agriculture
- Enhancing government efficiency and service quality
- Creating an investor-friendly legal and regulatory environment for international data centers
The strategy aims to boost Mongolia’s competitiveness and position the country among the top 10 AI leaders in Asia.


































