Posted on 8/1/2008

The new Mongolian Parliament officially convened on 25 August 2008 after a series of tumultuous pre-meetings amongst its members. This was a reassuring development after the contested results of the June 29th Parliamentary election and the day of riots that ensued on July 1st. Parliament has an ambitious agenda to address in the following months, not the least of which is the proposed amendment to the national minerals law. On August 25th, USAID Mongolia obligated its FY08 funding of $4.5M through an amendment to the existing GOM-USAID Economic Growth Program Agreement which was first put into effect in 2004. The amendment was signed at the Ministry of Finance by Finance Minister Ch. Ulaan on behalf of the Government of Mongolia, and by US Ambassador Mark Minton and USAID representative Barry Primm on behalf of the United States.

The additional funds will support GOM’s efforts to accelerate and deepen its policy liberalization process by developing/implementing a transparent, market-oriented energy regulatory environment that promotes efficient delivery of energy services to consumers; improving commercial practices and make the environment for domestic and foreign private investment more attractive; developing policies for foreign trade facilitation & transit; and strengthening financial intermediation. It will also help the GOM to build consensus on policy issues of national significance, through public education and national dialogue. During the summer personnel transition period, USAID Mongolia welcomed the arrival of the Embassy’s new: Deputy Chief of Mission Nicholas Hill, Political Officer Andrew Covington, Economics Officer Vincent Spera, Public Affairs Officer Marissa Mauer, and Defense Attache David Tatman. USAID Representative Barry Primm was absent from post on Annual Leave for the first three weeks of August. During this period, Mr. Jeffrey Goodson served as the Acting USAID Representative.