Three MPs give their comment on indications that the Government has chosen 2 or 3 out of the 11 foreign companies interested in Tavantolgoi to work as the operator company.

Batj.Batbayar: I agree that foreign investment is needed as a huge amount of money and modern technology will be needed. They must also agree to manufacture value added products from the coal. The environmental issue is very important. The terms of the agreement must be beneficial. We must not forget our good neighbors, Russia and China, and that Japan has been the biggest donor to Mongolia since 1990.

O.Chuluunbat:  If the Government wants to appoint operator companies, it must select Mongolian companies first because Tavantolgoi is a very big project. Because it is big, there are investors ready. Thus, the Government must find the right solution. All of the 11 companies have financial capacity, and have the experience. I don’t think it would be wise to be imposing harsh tax conditions. The agreement must be beneficial to both sides. Why do we need to own the deposit? That smacks of dictatorship. Mongolia has shares in Erdenet but we don’t earn much from the profits. We earn from the taxes. Too much government property results in more corruption and other problems. It is much better to make tax regulations instead of owning shares.

D.Damba-Ochir: The 11 companies are the ones that expressed their interest so far. We can choose any of them. I support the option that the Government owns the mine fully, and works tigether with domestic and foreign companies to establish the factories and trade in international market. I have no comment on which companies must operate. Mongolia will develop if Mongolian companies become strong. Mongolian companies will develop with big projects.