Country Profile

Located between economic heavyweights China and Russia, Mongolia’s traditional balancing act between its giant neighbours has come under increasing pressure in recent months, while winning and maintaining international investor confidence continues to be a multi-faceted and essential task. Expectations of rapid and sustainable growth among the country’s citizens now exist within the framework of a more uncertain global economic climate in which mineral exports in particular – a staple of the country’s balance of payments – have proven volatile. In facing a challenging environment, however, Mongolia can draw on a number of significant strengths, both from its past and present. Not only are the country’s economic fundamentals impressive, but it also has a pedigree of resilience, which, together with a more recent history of democratic governance, vibrant public debate and openness to world markets, stands it in good stead.

This chapter contains interviews with President Ts. Elbegdorj; and Prime Minister Ch. Saikhanbileg.