Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica on official visit to Mongolia
At this occasion, Commissioner Mimica said: "The EU’s support for Mongolia is and remains strong, and this visit is an opportunity to promote ongoing development projects in the country. The planned budget support, which we are currently discussing, would strengthen Mongolia's public finance management, promote employment and vocational training. It would continue the work we are doing through several other ongoing projects, which are helping to diversify the Mongolian economy."
The upcoming Budget Support is a priority for Mongolia, and the EU has been working together closely with Mongolia on Public Finance Management, including fiscal transparency. The Commissioner met President Battulga and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Tsogtbaatar, Minister of Finance Mr Khurelbaatar, and Minister of Labour and Social Protection Mr Chinzorig. These meetings provided the opportunity to discuss the upcoming Budget Support planned for 2019 covering the areas of employment creation and governance of revenues.
EU-Mongolia relations are developing well. In November 2017, the EU established its Delegation in Ulaanbaatar and the Head of Delegation, Ambassador Traian Laurentiu Hristea, joined in early 2018. The EU-Mongolia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement also entered into force in November 2017. The Agreement provides the legal framework for expanding EU-Mongolia relations and covers such issues as political dialogue, trade, development assistance, cooperation in the field of agriculture and rural development, energy, climate change, research and innovation, education and culture.
Mongolia benefits from GSP + (Generalised Scheme of Preferences) since 1 January 2014. Since then, total EU imports from Mongolia have increased by 13%, but there is further potential. The project Trade Related Assistance to Mongolia is working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support further integration of Mongolia into the regional and global trading system through strengthening its export capacities.
In terms of development cooperation, the budget allocation for 2014-2020adopted in December 2014 doubled the envelope from the previous allocation (2011-2013). It focuses on two focal sectors: improved governance of revenues for inclusive and sustainable growth and support to better employment opportunities.
The EU is also a major partner in supporting Mongolian Civil society organizations and human rights activists through the regular calls for proposals.
For more information on EU-Mongolia relations please visit our website:
For press enquiries, please contact Ms Ganchimeg MIJIDDORJ: Ganchimeg.MIJIDDORJ@eeas.europa.eu