Mongolia Roundup: Presidential visits, sustainable development, tax refund

South Korea, Mongolia direct flights

Direct flights from South Korea to Inner Mongolia have been launched, bringing in over 800 travelers this week. China United Airlines now operates four round trips weekly to the region, bringing in an estimated 12,000 passengers per week. China Daily reports that inner Mongolia is attracting an increasing number of foreign tourists, with plans for more direct flights from other Asian countries in the future.

 Presidential visit

Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh is set to visit Uzbekistan from June 23-26 at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss cooperation in various sectors including trade, mining, agriculture, and healthcare. According to Montsame, the two leaders will also sign several agreements and meet with business representatives. The visit will also include a trip to the city of Khiva.

Partnerships with Uzbekistan

Mongolia and Uzbekistan are partnering to develop digital governance and information technology. The two countries discussed opportunities for cooperation and agreed to collaborate on supporting IT startups and developing the e-economy in the future, Akipress reports.

Sustainable Development

Mongolia's initiative to proclaim 2025 as International Year of Cooperatives was approved by the UN General Assembly. The initiative aims to support the global cooperative movement and contribute to the Cooperatives' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Various activities will be implemented under the theme "Cooperatives for a Better World." The resolution aligns with Mongolia's "New Cooperative - Wealthy Herder" Program, Kazinform International News Agency reports.

Tax refund for tourists

Mongolia has joined 63 other countries in implementing a tax refund system for tourists, allowing them to reclaim taxes on purchases made in the country. The new system includes a branch at the international airport to provide banking services and cash refunds for VAT. Akipress reports that the move is part of efforts to prioritize tourism and diversify the economy, which is currently reliant on mining and mineral exports. In 2023, Mongolia welcomed 650,000 foreign tourists and generated $1.2 billion in tourism revenue.