The purpose of the GER Initiative (2002-2005) is to develop and strengthen the economy of the peri-urban areas of four of the largest cities in Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan, Erdenet and Choibalsan. The overall program objectives are to increase the number of new and strengthened productive Ger area businesses, and an increase in employment in the Ger areas.

Location

The peri-urban ger areas around four of the largest cities in Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan, Erdenet and Choibalsan. Ger areas are long strips of fenced-in, unserviced housing plots that surround cities in Mongolia. Inside each high wooden fenced area are gers—traditional Mongolian tent dwellings—and/or owner-built houses that lack heat, water, and sanitation services. The project serves a total estimated peri-urban population of 570,000: 500,000 in Ulaanbaatar, 30,000 in Erdenet, and 20,000 each in Darkhan and Choibalsan.

Goal

To develop and strengthen the economy of the peri-urban areas of Mongolia.

Objectives

• Increase in the number of productive ger area businesses
• Increase employment in the ger areas

Funding Period

August 2002 – March 2006

• Helped create 98 new businesses
• Strengthened 474 businesses
• Generated 522 jobs
• Partnered with 56 larger businesses to create employment and business linkages for peri-urban residents and microenterprises
• Collaborated with key commercial banks to provide new loan products with lower interest rates to peri-urban enterprises
• Facilitated 2,053 loans worth over US$1,916,000 to peri-urban microenterprises
• Organized five trade fairs resulting in sales of more than $25,000
• Created and assisted 95 business groups and associations
• Matched 2,339 peri-urban residents to long-term job opportunities
• Coordinated vocational training for 336 peri-urban residents.