October 7th, 2024

(From eanews.cn, Correspondent Geng Ling) On September 1, 2024, at the invitation of the Mongolian government and several organizations, Xiao Wunan, Vice Chairman of the China Association of Social Economic & Cultural Exchange and Executive Vice Chairman of the Asia Pacific Exchange & Cooperation Foundation (APECF), led a China-Mongolia economic, trade, and cultural delegation to Ulaanbaatar. The delegation conducted an investigation into matters related to bilateral investment, trade, and cultural exchange and cooperation between China and Mongolia, achieving fruitful results from the visit.

The focus of this visit was centered on Mongolia’s One Billion Trees Campaign agreed upon by the two heads of state last year, as well as projects in Mongolia's energy, manufacturing, agriculture, Buddhist culture, and traditional medicine sectors. The delegation conducted in-depth investigations and exchanges, gaining a thorough understanding and confidence in the feasibility and necessity of these initiatives.

On the morning of September 2, the unveiling ceremony of the Ulaanbaatar Liaison Office of the Asia Pacific Exchange & Cooperation Foundation was held at the “The Belt and Road” International Development Academy of Mongolia. The event was witnessed by Damba Gankhuyag, Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and former Mongolian Ambassador to China, Professor Liu Yacong, Executive Director of the “The Belt and Road” International Development Academy of Mongolia, as well as delegation members and other relevant parties. Following the ceremony, a symposium was held, during which extensive discussions took place on the new dynamics of Mongolia's investment environment and the evolving economic landscape of Northeast Asia. In particular, the discussions focused on how to create new opportunities for the Mongolia’s "Steppe Road" in alignment with Mongolia's unique circumstances under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Afterward, the delegation visited the headquarters of Oyuny Undra Group, one of Mongolia's largest enterprises, where they met with the group's president, Mr. Ganbat Sainbuyan. Oyuny Undra Group has a long-standing partnership with the Asia Pacific Exchange & Cooperation Foundation and warmly welcomed the delegation, placing significant importance on the visit. The two sides held in-depth discussions on Mongolia’s One Billion Trees Campaign and cooperation in other fields, and they outlined the next steps for their collaboration.

At noon, at the invitation of Nergui Sainbuyan, the head Khambo Lama of Mongolia’s Sain Nomuun Monastery, Chairman of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace, and Vice Chairman of the Asian Bhikkhu Sangha Association, the delegation visited the monastery. They also interacted with students and teachers from the Chinese language school located within the monastery. The students enthusiastically expressed their admiration for China and shared their experiences of learning Chinese. At noon, Nergui Sainbuyan hosted a warm reception for the delegation.

In the afternoon, at the invitation of D. Natsagdorj, President of Mongolia’s Otgontenger University and Khenpo of Mamba Datsan Monastery, the delegation visited the university for discussions on bilateral exchanges in Buddhism and cooperation in Mongolian medicine. The talks resulted in broad consensus. The university also organized a blessing ceremony for all delegation members, conducted by senior monks using Buddhist and traditional Mongolian cultural rituals. Khamba Lama D. Natsagdorj presented a precious Buddhist gift to the delegation leader, Xiao Wunan.

At 4 p.m., the delegation visited the Presidential Palace, where they met with Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan in his office to exchange views on the purpose of the visit and development plans in Mongolia.

Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan provided an overview of Mongolia’s current situation, stating that the new government will adopt a more innovative and open approach to developing the economy and fully embrace the digital economy era. He also revealed that Mongolia will focus on developing its manufacturing sector, leveraging bilateral and multilateral trade agreements with the U.S., Europe, Japan, South Korea, and other countries to maximize tariff advantages. Mongolia aims to introduce high-quality Chinese productivity, especially in areas such as new energy vehicles, electric vehicles, telecommunications, and biotechnology, thereby elevating cooperation under the "Steppe Road" initiative to a higher standard. Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan emphasized that Mongolia’s One Billion Trees Campaign is a consensus between the heads of state of both countries and a monumental effort in global climate change response and carbon neutrality, deserving attention and participation from both nations, relevant countries, and international organizations.

Xiao Wunan and all members of the delegation held constructive dialogues with Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan, achieving mutual understanding.

On the morning of September 3, Xiao Wunan and some delegation members visited the Mongolian Stock Exchange (also known as the Securities Exchange) for discussions. In 2018, under the arrangement of the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they had visited the exchange and met with its CEO, Altai Khangai, reaching several cooperation agreements. Later, Altai was invited to visit the Qianhai Free Trade Zone in Shenzhen, the Lingang Free Trade Zone in Shanghai, and the Shanghai Stock Exchange, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation with China, which has since achieved phased results.

On the morning of September 4, some delegation members visited the Ministry of Nature, Environment, and Tourism of Mongolia to discuss the specific implementation of Mongolia’s One Billion Trees Campaign with relevant department heads, achieving significant progress.

Delegation members Sun Chuanbao, Lu Zhenjin, Gao Renping, Lin Zhongjie, Jiang Guoqin, Yang Tao, and Zhang Dehua participated in the above activities.

The Asia Pacific Exchange & Cooperation Foundation has long established extensive connections with Mongolia, maintaining strong friendships and interactions with high-level figures across various fields. The foundation was an early participant in Mongolia’s "Steppe Road" initiative under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Through this visit, the further implementation of the relevant consensus between China and Mongolia will have a positive and profound impact on economic prosperity and regional stability in Northeast Asia.

Executive Editor: Li Chuanjun