The International Financial Corporation, or IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, on 19th of July signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Cabinet Secretariat of the Government of Mongolia. The MoU aims to improve investment policies, promote economic diversification, enhance investor protection — thus inspiring investors’ confidence — and further attract and retain private investments. 

The Cabinet Secretariat will lead the reform efforts in coordination with various government agencies. Over the next three years, the Government of Mongolia will design a coherent investment policy and launch a Systemic Investor Response Mechanism (SIRM) to deal with investors’ grievances in a systematic manner. It will also promote the country’s agribusiness sector to domestic and foreign investors. IFC will provide policy recommendations and implementation support, according to IFC.

In 2016, Mongolia’s economic growth slowed down to one percent amid declining exports and foreign direct investments. However, starting from the first half of 2017, growth has increased to 4.2 percent. The Government of Mongolia is committed to working with international partners, including the World Bank Group, to achieve economic stability and recovery, underpinned by fiscal reforms and foreign direct investment. Multilaterals such as the International Monetary Fund and Asian Development Bank are also committed to support Mongolia toward sustainable recovery and growth. 

The SIRM will offer investors a one-stop channel to register and track resolution of complaints at an early stage. This mechanism will assure investors that issues are handled efficiently and resolutions are ensured without fear of retribution. With financial support from the Hungarian government, it will also use information and communication technology to make the process efficient, accountable and result-oriented.