In a pivotal meeting on May 2, Deputy Prime Minister S.Amarsaikhan presented Mongolia's ambitious Regional Development Policy to foreign ambassadors, representatives from international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. The meeting also highlighted Mongolia's Government Action Plan for 2024–2028, setting the stage for comprehensive development that aligns with the nation's long-term, medium-term, and short-term objectives.
The core of the policy, as outlined by the deputy prime minister, focuses on ensuring balanced development across Mongolia's vast territory. The policy aims to tailor development strategies to the unique characteristics of each region, with the goal of reducing disparities between urban and rural areas, and promoting sustainable economic, social, and environmental growth. The government’s strategy places a particular emphasis on major infrastructure projects that will be driven by the resource potential and specific needs of each region.
Addressing the gathered international partners, the deputy prime minister stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving the policy’s ambitious goals. "Our intent is to ensure that all existing and future projects are in alignment with our development priorities, creating lasting and meaningful impact," he said. He also acknowledged the vital role international partners have played in Mongolia’s development journey since its transition to democracy in 1990, and reiterated the government’s commitment to working closely with diplomatic missions, international organizations, and development partners to achieve these goals.
The meeting was met with positive feedback from international diplomats and representatives, who expressed strong support for Mongolia’s regional development strategy. The collaboration, they noted, is crucial for transforming the policy into concrete results in the coming years.
International partners express support for growth
Jaap van Hierden, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Mongolia, praised the government’s leadership in crafting a development agenda that is both forward-thinking and deeply attuned to Mongolia’s needs and geographical context. He emphasized that regional development is not only an issue of fairness but also essential for economic resilience and national cohesion. Jaap van Hierden particularly highlighted the importance of strengthening Mongolia's agricultural sector, which constitutes 30 percent of GDP, while also tackling the vulnerabilities posed by climate change and extreme weather conditions. He urged sustained investment in both rural and urban development to ensure balanced growth.
The United Nations official also emphasized the significance of Mongolia’s upcoming COP17 summit in Ulaanbaatar, which will showcase the country’s efforts to preserve biodiversity through sustainable practices in rural areas, even within high-impact sectors like mining. He urged continued cooperation among development partners to maximize impact and ensure that no region or community is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Chandra Mohan Arora, Head of Country Operations for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Mongolia, reiterated ADB’s ongoing commitment to supporting Mongolia’s regional development. He emphasized the need for a multi-sectoral approach to regional development, warning that neglecting any one sector could hinder progress. Arora highlighted ADB’s contributions to regional infrastructure, such as road development and disaster management, and noted that upcoming projects would focus on transport connectivity and border infrastructure improvements. ADB’s investments in renewable energy transmission projects, as well as in sustainable agriculture and private sector development, align with Mongolia’s long-term development goals.
Fiona Blyth, the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Mongolia, highlighted the importance of private sector engagement in Mongolia’s regional development efforts. Reflecting on the discussions, Blyth emphasized that achieving the policy’s goals would require strong coordination and collaboration across sectors. She underscored the critical role of private investment, innovation, and expertise in driving the execution of large-scale projects. "Creating a stable, predictable, and business-friendly environment is essential to attract private sector involvement," she said.
Helmut Kulitz, Ambassador of Germany to Mongolia, expressed strong support for the government’s regional development policy, particularly in addressing the disparities between Ulaanbaatar and rural areas. He stressed the need to revitalize rural regions by recognizing their economic potential and preserving their sustainable living environments. Kulitz commended the government’s clear strategic objectives and emphasized that preserving and unlocking the full potential of rural areas should be a national priority.
Lastly, Shen Minjuan, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Mongolia, offered insights from China’s own experience in managing regional imbalances. She explained how China’s phased approach to regional development starting with the coastal areas and expanding inward had proven effective in fostering balanced growth. Shen highlighted that regional development brings many benefits, including reduced inequality and enhanced productivity. She suggested that Mongolia could benefit from a similar strategy and reaffirmed China’s willingness to share its expertise in regional development.
