ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA— Provincial-level consultations under the 30th anniversary commemoration of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)–Mongolia partnership continued in the northern region, with governors discussing implementation of green development policies and issues requiring urgent action, including environmental degradation, pollution, and natural disaster risk.
The event—ADB’s fourth out of five regional consultations—covered five provinces with diverse and active economic landscapes: Bulgan, Darkhan-Uul, Orkhon, Selenge, and Khuvsgul.
“These discussions will help guide many future dialogues on how ADB can best support Mongolia to achieve inclusive and sustainable development,” said ADB Country Director for Mongolia Pavit Ramachandran. “ADB’s newly launched country partnership strategy for Mongolia highlights strengthening rural and urban linkages as one of the priority areas of operation. Development of larger secondary cities like Darkhan and Erdenet will help decongest Ulaanbaatar and drive competitiveness and diversification across the country, as we heard from provincial governors today.”
The event started with virtual site visits to education, infrastructure, and trade facilitation projects which have demonstrated economic, social, and environmental benefits. Following the project visits, high-level representatives of project executing agencies reviewed impacts and lessons from development projects supported by ADB and expressed commitment to replicate successful projects in other regions and provinces.
In the second part of the event, representatives of central and local governments discussed promoting economic diversification in the region to support creation of jobs and income opportunities for local residents. Panel discussion focused on the government’s green development vision for the region, implementation of priority investment projects, and ADB’s role in advancing rural development. Participants noted that while increasing productivity is key to successful implementation of the green development policies, environmental degradation, pollution and natural disaster risk also require urgent attention.
The northern region of Mongolia features rich arable land fed by big rivers, scenic landscapes accommodating big herds and native lifestyles, and the largest freshwater lake in the country. Province centers of the region have the infrastructure and urban service base that provides an advantage to business development. A number of higher and technical and vocational education institutions help prepare the skilled work force necessary for the agricultural and heavy industries operating in the region.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
Source: Asian Development Bank