AmCham Mongolia concerned by continued lack of due process and transparency in Mongolia
Over the last 12 to 18 months a number of arrests, detentions and questioning of Mongolian citizens and international executives have taken place in Mongolia. Some of these people were, and continue to be closely associated with the international business community of Mongolia, and they have extensive international relationships and networks.
Some of these cases have led to, or are leading to, full-fledged court cases, but others have just fizzled out.
The Mongolian press has reported and speculated extensively about the reasons for the arrests, detentions or questioning.
However it has been difficult for the international community to understand the background and context, and to distinguish between facts, allegations, rumors and political maneuvers. The Mongolian Government has not helped the international business community to understand the background and context. Mongolia’s Ambassadors in other countries have not been able to provide a consistent or politically supported message to those who have tried to understand.
AmCham has no intention of intervening or commenting on the judicial process in Mongolia. Nothing in this statement should be construed to imply interference, comment or criticism of due process in Mongolia and without reference to individual cases, AmCham wishes to express concern that the circumstances under which the arrests, detentions and questioning are taking place, and especially the way information is spread about them, or withheld damages the international standing of Mongolia.
Foreign sentiment about investing in Mongolia remains highly dependent on the international standing of Mongolia, and AmCham observes that in light of the recent events, this standing continues to be further eroded. For foreign international executives especially the use of travel bans as part of a judicial process continues to negatively impact the willingness and availability of foreigners to take up roles in Mongolia, and this in itself is a major obstacle for foreign investment.
About AmCham Mongolia
AmCham Mongolia is an independent membership-driven organization that seeks to build, strengthen, and protect business between the United States and Mongolia and to actively promote Mongolia as a destination for American investment. AmCham Mongolia is the official local affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the largest business federation in the world with over 3 million member companies. AmCham Mongolia is also a member of the Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce, consisting of 29 American Chambers of Commerce in the Asia Pacific Region.