Revival of urban and rural areas discussed

A discussion on “Revival of Urban and Rural Areas” was held on April 8 as part of the Mongolia Economic Forum 2022. Deputy Prime Minister S.Amarsaikhan, Member of Parliament J.Munkhbat, Mayor of Ulaanbaatar D.Sumiyabazar, Program Manager at International Organization for Migration (IOM) Victor Lutenco, President of the Ulaanbaatar Chamber of Commerce A.Gankhuyag and Plenipotentiary Representative of the Administration in charge of Khushig Valley’s Development D.Oyunkhorol were panelists of the meeting.

During the discussion, panelists reviewed the urban and rural development and pressing issues.

UB TO GET PROPER PLANNING AND DIGITAL INNOVATION Mayor of Ulaanbaatar D.Sumiyabazar:

For the first time, Ulaanbaatar’s annual budget has been increased from 29 billion MNT to 900 billion MNT. The major pressing issues for Ulaanbaatar are the limited legal environment and system in general. Therefore, we will develop the capital with proper planning and digital innovation.

On the other hand, the development of rural areas also should be considered. Ulaanbaatar’s economy has reached 28 trillion MNT and accounts for 74 percent of Mongolia’s GDP.

The General Development Plan for Ulaanbaatar

through 2050 will soon be finalized and submitted to Parliament. Ulaanbaatar’s city planning is prepared to be further analyzed for international cooperation. We have been able to expand domestic investment 30 times over the past year and now, we are planning to raise funds abroad and issue a development bond on the international market.

FULL-SCALE POLICY RENOVATION NEEDED FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Plenipotentiary Representative of the Administration in charge of Khushig Valley’s Development D.Oyunkhorol:

A total of 31,000 hectares of land was taken under state special needs for the satellite city, which will be built near the new Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Khushig Valley. A regulation on establishing a 1,000-hectare free economic zone was approved. Therefore, an opportunity has opened up for the private sector to enjoy tax exemptions and deductions. The satellite city to be established in Khushig Valley is planned for 150,000 citizens.

TURNING CENTRALIZATION INTO OPPORTUNITY

President of the Ulaanbaatar Chamber of

Commerce A.Gankhuyag:

It is common for people to put emphasis on the negative aspects of urban centralization. Centralization has two sides. Big cities compete to attract more residents and it is how cities and regions are developed. However, we should not forget its side effects. Therefore, it is important to turn centralization into an opportunity.

Deputy Prime Minister S.Amarsaikhan:

Mongolia is a low-populated country with a large territory and the majority of the population is young. Young people have a tendency to settle in a place that is developed. The establishment of satellite cities needs to be coordinated with rural development policies.

ONE VISION AND UNIFIED STRATEGY NEEDED

MP J.Munkhbat:

SATELLITE CITIES NEED TO BE COORDINATED WITH RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES

As of today, there is no unified policy on the revival of urban and rural areas, which is why we must have one vision and unified strategy. Development will be achieved through fiscal discipline.