Mongolia

Mongolia ends 2025 with respectable headline growth but mounting strain; the government faces two linked vulnerabilities: a widening fiscal gap and a fragile political base that together are turning favorable macro signals into rising political risk

Despite long-standing bans on smoking and sales near schools, smoking rates remain high: excise taxes will be raised through 2030 to curb youth use and fund school health programs, rules on e-cigarettes expanded as Mongolia tightens Tobacco Control Law

The Food Revolution Plan has been launched; it aims to achieve national food sovereignty by boosting domestic production through 53 new plants and major loans, reducing imports and securing long-term food self-sufficiency

Cabinet approved Resolution on “Mongolia’s Accession to the International Snow Leopard Trust”; membership will enable Mongolia to strengthen protection of snow leopards and their habitats, improving life of herder communities living in their range areas

Cabinet endorsed a draft national strategy on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence to be integrated into the 2026–2030 development plan; it includes 66 measures on 4 objectives and aims to build an AI ecosystem in sectors like health and mining

The Economic Development Board has been institutionalized as a permanent government body; led by the Prime Minister, it will drive reforms in taxation, business policy, budget transparency, ensuring private sector input shapes legislative proposals

The 390th birthday of Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, a revered spiritual leader and artist has been commemorated at the Zanabazar Museum that houses his masterpieces: sculptures, thangkas, metal works blend traditional Buddhist iconography and Mongolian identity

“Ebarimt” the VAT receipt system that issues lottery-based tax receipts to encourage compliance will be fully digitalized; Led by the Digital Development Ministry with the central bank, it will replace paper receipts with mobile and card-based tracking

The traditional long-distance horse race was held as part of the Naadam festival, showcasing the endurance of the Mongolian horse, a symbol of national pride; Riders, often children, covered vast steppe terrain, in a centuries-old nomadic heritage

Over 500 wrestlers, including Mongolia’s top champions, will compete in the National Naadam wrestling tournament on 11-12 July; This ancient contest of strength and honor dates back to the Mongol Empire, with origins as early as 1206