Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene

In this Mongolian name, the given name is Oyun-Erdene. Luvsannamsrain is a patronymic, not a family name.

Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrain
Лувсаннамсрайн Оюун-Эрдэнэ
Oyun-Erdene in 2023
32nd Prime Minister of Mongolia
Incumbent
Assumed office
27 January 2021
PresidentKhaltmaagiin Battulga
Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh
Preceded byUkhnaagiin Khürelsükh
Member of State Great Khural
In office
5 July 2016 – 30 June 2020
Constituency41th, Khentii Province
In office
30 June 2020 – 2 July 2024
Constituency18th, Khentii Province
Incumbent
Assumed office
2 July 2024
Constituency6th,
Dornod, Khentii, Sükhbaatar Provinces
Chief Cabinet Secretary of Mongolia
In office
2 February 2019 – 27 January 2021
Prime MinisterUkhnaagiin Khürelsükh
Preceded byGombojavyn Zandanshatar
Succeeded byTsendiin Nyamdorj
Chairman of the Mongolian People's Party
Incumbent
Assumed office
25 June 2021
Preceded byUkhnaagiin Khürelsükh
President of Social Democracy Mongolian Youth Union
In office
September 2010 – 21 June 2015
Preceded byGombojavyn Zandanshatar
Succeeded byGanzorigiin Temüülen
Personal details
Born (1980-06-29) 29 June 1980 (age 44)
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian People's Republic
Political partyMongolian People's Party
SpouseBoldyn Tuul
Children3
Websitewww.oyunerdene.mn

Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrain[1] (Mongolian: Лувсаннамсрайн Оюун-Эрдэнэ, romanized: Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene; born 29 June 1980) is a Mongolian politician who has served as the 32nd Prime Minister of Mongolia since 27 January 2021. He was reappointed to the position by the State Great Khural (Mongolia's parliament) on July 5 2024,[2] following the Mongolian People's Party's victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections, and currently leads a cross-party coalition government.[3]

Oyun-Erdene was born in Ulaanbaatar in 1980 but was raised in Berkh, a village on the Eastern Mongolian Steppes. Oyun-Erdene obtained degrees in both journalism and law[4] in Mongolia before obtaining a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University. At 21, Oyun-Erdene managed the governor's office in Berkh. He later worked abroad with the NGO World Vision, an experience that made him more aware of the challenges facing his own country. Before entering politics, Oyun-Erdene became well-known for his activism against corruption[5]. His leadership during the 2018 protests against government corruption, which saw the participation of over 30,000 citizens, helped cement his reputation as a reformist and paved the way for his election to the State Great Khural in 2016, representing Khentii Province.[6][7]

Oyun-Erdene’s political career took off after his election to the State Great Khural, and his rise up the ministerial ranks was rapid. As Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia from 2019, he took a leading role in efforts to modernise Mongolia’s economy through greater use of digital technology, including through drafting a five-year program to expand the country’s digital infrastructure.[8] Oyun-Erdene also made his name at this time as a vocal advocate for judicial reform in Mongolia. He gained attention for his criticism of the justice system after the controversial release of executives involved in a money laundering case related to the purchase of Erdenet Mining Corporation shares.[9]

He is a leading figure in Mongolia’s modernization efforts, with his time as Prime Minister, seeing Mongolia’s level of economic growth rank among the highest in the world following the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s credit rating being upgraded, moves towards economic diversification, an ambitious program to combat corruption, and Mongolia strengthening ties with nations outside of its immediate neighbourhood. Oyun-Erdene has positioned himself as part of a global wave of younger leaders focused on modernization, digital transformation, and progressive policy-making.[10]

In 2021, Oyun-Erdene launched the “New Recovery Policy”, a blueprint for tackling long-term barriers to Mongolia’s development, in line with the country’s “Vision 2050” ambition to become a leading country in its region by the middle of this century.[11]

Before entering politics, Oyun-Erdene gained prominence as a vocal anti-corruption activist, organizing protests in 2018 that drew over 30,000 participants and pushed for greater government accountability. His early career established his reputation as a reformist figure, paving the way for his first election to the State Great Khural in 2016. He was re-elected to the body in 2020 and 2024.

Education and early career

[edit]

Oyun-Erdene graduated from Harvard University in 2015 with a master's degree in Public Policy.[12]

In 2016, he was elected as a Member of Parliament in Mongolia for Khentii. He led multiple demonstrations, most notably one held in 2018 involving more than 30,000 citizens against government corruption.[13]

Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia

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As Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia in 2019, Oyun-Erdene assisted in amending the Constitution of Mongolia. The 2019 amendments strengthened the powers of the Prime Minister.

During his time in this role, Oyun-Erdene drafted plans for a 5-year program to expand Mongolia's digital infrastructure. The first action of this program was rolling-out E-Mongolia, an online platform which provides 182 different services to citizens.[14]

Prime Minister of Mongolia

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Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on 28 September 2022

Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene was appointed Prime Minister of Mongolia on January 27, 2021. He reshuffled his cabinet and appointed new ministers on August 30, 2022.[15] Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene's priorities as prime minister include increasing Mongolia's energy independence, expanding Mongolia's links with the rest of the world, supporting the long-term expansion of the Mongolian economy, reforming government and tackling corruption.[16] He was re-appointed as the Prime Minister on July 5, 2024, following his party's third-term win in the 2024 elections.[17]

Vision 2050 and New Recovery Policy

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In December 2021, Oyun-Erdene introduced the New Recovery Policy (or New Revival Policy) as part of Mongolia's Vision 2050 program, focused on diversifying Mongolia's economy, supporting the country's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and driving long-term development. The policy contains six pillars with each aimed at tackling existing economic constraints and unlocking growth in the following areas: border ports, energy, industrialization, urban and rural development, green development and state efficiency.[18]

Partially as a result of the New Recovery Policy beginning to be implemented, the country's economy grew by 4% in 2022,[19] having been forecasted to grow by just 2.6%.[20] The Mongolian budget deficit was reduced by 60%, with exports increasing.[21] In December 2022, the Government announced that Mongolia had paid off the 1.5 billion USD 'Chinggis bond', a key milestone in the country's long-term debt management strategy.[22] In 2023, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development forecasted that Mongolia's economy would see 7.2% growth in 2023 and 7.5% in 2024.[23]

Under the New Recovery Policy, Mongolia has already built the Zuunbayan-Khangi rail link, which opened in November 2022, and started construction on the New Settlement Zone of Khushigt Valley. Other New Recovery Policy Projects completed in 2022 include the Borkh solar thermal power plant charge storage system in Uliastgai and the solar thermal power plant hybrid system in Altai soum.[24][25]

Tourism

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On 29 November 2022, the Government of Mongolia unveiled a major package of measures to promote the country as a growing tourist destination.[26] This included the Government launch of its 'Welcome to Mongolia' campaign, as well as designating 2023-2025 as the 'Years to Visit Mongolia'. The aim of the campaign is to encourage overseas travelers to visit Mongolia for both leisure and tourism. The Government's reforms are focused on opening up more travel routes, modernizing Mongolia's visa system and reducing the cost of flights to the country.[27] In June 2022, Mongolia started allowing South Koreans to enter and stay without a visa for up to 90 days.[28] In January 2023, nationals of 34 countries became exempt from visa requirements for those traveling to Mongolia for tourism purposes.[29] In August 2023, during Oyun-Erdene's visit to the United States, the Prime Minister met with Vice President Kamala Harris and held a joint press conference. During the visit, it was announced that there would be direct flights between the US and Mongolia starting in 2024.[30]

Digitalization policy

[edit]

In December 2022, Oyun-Erdene's government launched its new online procurement portal, Mindgolia, to boost the country's tech sector and to transition the country's economy "from mining to mind."[31] The website allows companies to search for products by software category, view reviews, and choose products and services by looking at other people's ratings of them.[32] In April 2023, Oyun-Erdene launched the E-Business online platform to help businesses start and grow more easily, cutting down on bureaucracy and waiting times by streamlining exchanges between government and business.[33] At the Mongolia Economic Forum in July 2023, the Government announced an agreement with SpaceX and Starlink to launch a new era of high-speed internet connectivity.[34] Mongolia now has two licences for SpaceX to operate as an internet provider in Mongolia using low-orbit satellites. In August 2023, during Oyun-Erdene's official visit to the United States, it was announced that Google would be partnering with Mongolia to enhance the digital skills of Mongolian teachers and young people, including the provision of 20,000 Chromebooks to schools.[35]

Mining

[edit]

On 13 March 2023, the Prime Minister joined Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm 1.3 kilometres (0.81 mi) underground to celebrate the commencement of underground production at the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine in the Gobi Desert.[36] A partnership between Rio Tinto and Mongolia, the Oyu Tolgoi open pit and concentrator have been operating since 2011. The total workforce of Oyu Tolgoi is currently around 20,000 people, of which 97% are Mongolian.[37] Oyu Tolgoi works with more than 500 national suppliers and has spent around $15 billion in Mongolia since 2010, including $4 billion of taxes, fees and other payments to the state budget.[38] According to Rio Tinto, Oyu Tolgoi is expected to produce an average of 500,000 tons of copper per year from 2028 to 2036 from the open pit and underground, which would be enough to produce around 6 million electric vehicles per year, and an average of close to 290,000 tons over the reserve life of around 30 years.[39] 

Speaking at the commencement ceremony, the Prime Minister said "I am proud to celebrate this major milestone with our partner Rio Tinto as we look towards Mongolia becoming one of the world's key copper producers. The start of underground production at Oyu Tolgoi demonstrates our ability to work together with investors in a sustainable manner and become a trusted partner. The next phase of the partnership will enable the continued successful delivery of Mongolia's 'New Recovery Policy' and Vision 2050 economic diversification strategy. Mongolia stands ready to work actively and mutually beneficially with global investors and partners."[40]

Under Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene's initiative the new Natural Wealth Fund was established in 2024. It intends to channel natural resource revenues into investments that could help Mongolia diversify away its mining sector dependence.[41]

Anti-Corruption

[edit]

During the December 2022 Mongolian protests, thousands protested in Mongolia's capital against alleged corruption in Mongolia's coal industry and inflation.[42] As part of the New Recovery Policy's pillar to tackle corruption and in light of these protests, the Prime Minister put forward an initiative to change the governance of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC (ETT), making the company public. This was aimed at improving transparency within the mining sector.[43] The Prime Minister also set up a six-month investigation into ETT.[44] In January 2023, Mongolia took further steps to crack down on corruption by passing the Commodities Exchange Law, which requires state-owned enterprises to trade export commodities on a new mining commodity exchange.[45]

In January 2023, Mongolia's anti-corruption authority announced that over 30 officials, including the chief executive of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi, were under investigation for embezzlement.[46] In May, the Mongolian Parliament passed constitutional amendments to enlarge the legislative body, from 76 members to 126, and adopt a more proportional electoral system for the 2024 elections. Oyun-Erdene stated that the proportional system would prevent the government being used for private gain.[47] In July 2023, Mongolia became the first APAC country to implement all 40 recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force, and the fifth globally.[48]

Foreign affairs

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Oyun-Erdene with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ulaanbaatar on 3 September 2024

In January 2024, Mongolia stated that it seeks to institute a summit where Mongolia, China, and Russia can further develop economic opportunities, including the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, one of the six major land corridors of the Belt and Road Initiative.[49] That same month, Oyun-Erdene described relations between Mongolia and China as at their highest level and described the two countries as working towards a comprehensive strategic partnership.[49] Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene visited the White House and met with Vice-President Kamala Harris.[50]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Full CV of Oyunerdene". The State Great Hural. Government of Mongolia. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  2. ^ Adiya, Amar (6 July 2024). "Mongolia's Prime Minister Offers Cooperation to Opposition After Election Victory". Mongolia Weekly. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  3. ^ Adiya, Amar (28 June 2024). "Mongolia Election 2024: MPP Wins Third Term, But Majority Reduced". Mongolia Weekly. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  4. ^ Campbell, Charlie (9 August 2022). "Mongolia's Prime Minister Wants to Transform the Country. That Means Looking Beyond Russia and China". TIME. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  5. ^ "Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai MC/MPA 2015 is looking ahead to Mongolia's long-term development". Harvard Kennedy School. Harvard College. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  6. ^ "Mongolia's Next Election Will Feature New Types of Candidates". Bulgan Batdorj and Julian Dierkes. 22 May 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  7. ^ "Economic concerns high as Mongolia holds national elections". DailyHerald Web. 23 June 2020.
  8. ^ "Mongolian parliament appoints 3 new ministers". Xinhuanews Web. 5 February 2019. Archived from the original on 13 August 2020.
  9. ^ Munkhzul, A. (7 March 2019). "L.Oyun-Erdene: This is a clear depiction of where the fight for justice halts". Montsame. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  10. ^ B., Lkhaajav (14 April 2022). "Mongolia Highlights 'New Recovery Policy' at Economic Forum".
  11. ^ B., Lkhaajav (14 April 2022). "Mongolia Highlights 'New Recovery Policy' at Economic Forum".
  12. ^ "Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, Recent Kennedy School Graduate, Appointed Mongolian Prime Minister | News | The Harvard Crimson". www.thecrimson.com. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  13. ^ "Mongolians protest against corruption as temperature plunges". Munkhchimeg Davaasharav. 27 December 2018.
  14. ^ "Mongolia's E-Governance Quest". Bolor Lkhaajav Web. 28 September 2020.
  15. ^ Adiya, Amar (10 September 2022). "Mongolia Unveils New Pro-Business Cabinet". Mongolia Weekly. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  16. ^ Adiya, Amar (10 September 2022). "Mongolia Unveils New Pro-Business Cabinet". Mongolia Weekly. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  17. ^ Adiya, Amar (6 July 2024). "Mongolia's Prime Minister Offers Cooperation to Opposition After Election Victory". Mongolia Weekly. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  18. ^ B., Lkhaajav (14 April 2022). "Mongolia Highlights 'New Recovery Policy' at Economic Forum".
  19. ^ "GDP of Mongolia grows by 4.8%". AKI Press. 21 February 2023.
  20. ^ "Mongolia's economy projected to grow by 2.5% in 2022". AKI Press. 20 April 2022.
  21. ^ "Government of Mongolia: Mongolia Becomes the First Single-B Rated Issuer From Asia-Pacific to Successfully Enter the International Debt Markets in 2023". The Korea Herald. 13 January 2023.
  22. ^ E., Kahliun (12 June 2022). "Mongolia pays off USD 1.5 billion Chinggis Bond". Montsame.
  23. ^ Usov, Anton (27 September 2023). "EBRD forecasts strong economic performance in Central Asia". EBRD.
  24. ^ "'Borkh' Solar power plant, 'Tsengeg' Battery storage power station". MCS. 23 January 2023.
  25. ^ "ADB Commissions Off-Grid Renewable Hybrid Energy System in Altai, Mongolia". Asian Development Bank. 1 August 2022.
  26. ^ Buyanaa, L. (29 November 2022). "Revised Draft of Law on Tourism Submitted". Montsame.
  27. ^ Buyanaa, L. (14 December 2022). "D. Gantumur: "The Years to Visit Mongolia" will be a Stimulus for the Rapid Recovery of Tourism". Montsame.
  28. ^ Son, Ji-hyoung (19 February 2023). "[Herald Interview] Mongolian PM wants to use Busan as outlet for trade corridor". The Korea Herald.
  29. ^ Buyanaa, L. (6 January 2023). "Temporary Exemption from Visa Requirements for Citizens of Some Countries to Visit Mongolia". Montsame.
  30. ^ "U.S. and Mongolia strengthen strategic partnership as direct flights planned for 2024". Associated Press. 2 August 2023.
  31. ^ "Mongolian Government provides major boost to the country's thriving tech sector with launch of 'Mindgolia' procurement portal". Yahoo! Finance. 22 December 2022.
  32. ^ "Mindgolia". Mongolian Software Industry Association.
  33. ^ "NEW MONGOLIAN E-BUSINESS PLATFORM TO MAKE IT EASIER TO START AND GROW A BUSINESS". Associated Press. 11 April 2023.
  34. ^ Woo, Ryan (7 July 2023). "Elon Musk's SpaceX to launch satellite internet service in Mongolia". Reuters.
  35. ^ Butts, Dylan (6 August 2023). "Mongolia signs digital skills partnership with Google as landlocked nation seeks closer ties with US". South China Morning Post.
  36. ^ McDonald, Joe (14 March 2023). "Mongolia looks to copper to transform stagnant economy". Independent.
  37. ^ Iannucci, Esmarie (13 March 2023). "Underground production starts at Oyu Tolgoi". Mining Weekly.
  38. ^ McDonald, Joe (14 March 2023). "Mongolia looks to copper to transform stagnant economy". Independent.
  39. ^ "Underground production celebrated at Oyu Tolgoi". Rio Tinto. 13 March 2023.
  40. ^ "Rio Tinto commences underground production at Oyu Tolgoi". Mining Technology. 13 March 2023.
  41. ^ Adiya, Amar (26 May 2024). "Has Mongolia Finally Beaten the Resource Curse?". Mongolia Weekly. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  42. ^ "Protesters in Mongolia try to storm state palace". Al Jazeera. 6 December 2022.
  43. ^ Davaasharav, Munkhchimeg and David Stanway (13 December 2022). "Mongolia to take mining firm public after protests over graft". Reuters.
  44. ^ Davaasharav, Munkhchimeg (8 December 2022). "Mongolians brave bitter cold to protest 'coal theft' corruption". Reuters.
  45. ^ "Mongolia sets up commodity exchange to fight 'coal theft'". Mining Journal. 3 January 2023.
  46. ^ "Protesters in Mongolia try to storm state palace". Al Jazeera. 6 December 2022.
  47. ^ Lkaajav, Bolor (2 June 2023). "Mongolia's Constitutional Reform Enlarges Parliament, Advances a Mixed Electoral System". The Diplomat.
  48. ^ Chakraborty, Ranamita (3 August 2023). "Mongolia Becomes First APAC Country to Implement All FATF Recommendations". Regulation Asia.
  49. ^ a b "Between China and Russia, landlocked Mongolia eyes summit to enhance ties as geopolitical pressures mount". Yahoo Finance. 24 January 2024. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  50. ^ House, The White (2 August 2023). "Remarks by Vice President Harris and Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai of Mongolia". The White House. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
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Political offices
Preceded by Prime Minister of Mongolia
2021–present 		Incumbent
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