Mongolia exported a total of 11.2 million tons of coal in the first seven months of this year, a decrease of 46.4 percent compared to the same period last year, according to official data on Tuesday.

The sharp decline, said the Mongolian Customs General Administration, is largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a bid to boost cooperation with China amid the pandemic, Mongolia has introduced a temporary regulation called Green Gateway, which came into effect on Saturday, according to the Mongolian Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry.

Minister Gelen Yondon said he hopes the regulation will help Mongolia increase its export of mining products, such as coal and copper concentrates, to China. (Xinhua)