Mongolia

As Mongolia sits on the verge of a resource-related boom, government officials are stressing that the Human Development Fund (HDF) established to channel revenues from mining projects to health and education is fulfilling its role.

Last year saw the prospect of Mongolia’s vast untapped natural mineral wealth drive heady levels of investment and growth, with the government aiming to harness the momentum by diversifying the economy and improving infrastructure, employment and housing. However, Prime Minister S. Batbold’s administration will likely face political pressures over protecting the country's resources in the lead-up to this June’s election.

As the agriculture sector prepares for winter, a major export deal with China and improvements in trade relations with Russia are heating up prospects for Mongolia’s meat industry.

Mongolia's metals and coal-related boom shows no sign of abating, with recent state figures confirming healthy growth across the economy. However, there continue to be concerns over a demand slump in China and the timing of a major mine listing.

Mongolia’s government has marked this year’s 90th anniversary of its telecommunications sector by pledging new ICT services in health, the transport system and emergency management.