First
Deputy Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag chaired Tuesday’s meeting of the  Mongolia-Russia Intra-Government Commission.
He answers questions on what happened there.

What did you decide on
revising the 1949 agreement that governs the working of UB Railway?

We
agreed that the joint venture railway cannot meet the market requirements of today
and things have to change and fresh funding is needed. Both sides have already agreed
to place an additional USD125 million each to the capital funds. The commission
asked working groups to recommend a work plan within this year. We also made
progress on establishing Dornod Uranium.

How will the changes in
the railway practically benefit Mongolia?

A
more efficient railway is more important than worrying about which side will
gain more. The company is working with outdated equipment, trains and tracks. A
lot of investment is needed to improve matters. Both sides are agreed on this.

What did the Russian
side say about our Government’s railway policy?

They
must have noted that we shall have broad-gauge tracks like in Russia. We told
them our policy is to have the railway to help in the optimal utilization of
our major natural resources. .

Is there any possibility
for Mongolians living near the Russian border to travel there without a visa?

The
issue is already under discussion. It is an irritant for both and should be
settled. We did say that Russia’s customs and border procedures are often too
complicated.

What about the border
ports that are not used anymore?

Russia
wants to close some of these and we are working on this.

Raising the number of
Mongolian students in Russia was also discussed. What will they mainly study?

Mongolians
study all kinds of subjects in Russia. We have proposed to train professionals
in nuclear energy field and started sending students since last year.

When and where will the next
conference take place?

The
two countries take turns to host the conference. Most likely, the next meeting
will be in Ulan-Ude next year.

What agreements were
signed in trading and industry?

Mongolia’s
natural resources are attracting the interest of not only Russia, but other
countries as well. We shall need a lot of investment in the railway, roads and
electricity. Many businessmen came from Russia for the commission meeting. Some
of them expressed interest to cooperate in the banking sector. We shall follow
this up and also plan to organize a business forum for Russian investors.

Were easier transit transport
terms discussed?

Yes.
Various groups are at work. They will be very important for us as we plan to
export through Vladivostok.

Will Russia buy more Mongolian
meat? And what about out oil imports?

The
meat issue stagnates mainly because of the hygienic quality of our meat
products. Our fuel import from Russia is worth 10 times more than all our
exports there. We have frequently asked Russia side to reduce taxes on
Mongolian goods but their stand is that no country can be offered special
terms.