Mongolia

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

The Gashuunsukhait–Gantsmod cross-border railway, a 32,6 km dual-gauge line connecting with China to serve coal exports activities, will be in operation in 24 months and on 15 June both sides will drill the first pier foundation of the cross-border bridge