Mr. Batbold, Mayor of the capital city of Mongolia: Transferring Euro-technology into Ulaanbaatar is vital for the cities development

- Let me start our talk with new technology as I’d like to know more about the citys’ policy on new developments and trends. 

By observing trends of modern cities I can notice Ulaanbaatar, appears to be not well developed in various areas such as, city and rural planning, environmental protection and public transportation. It is important to introduce modern, advanced technology for the citys’ future development.

At this point, having the following targets such as introducing innovation, advanced technology, creating a green city, in order and to reach these goals, we have established an Industrial Development and Innovation agency. This agency introduces innovations and is responsible for implementing these policies.

 - Could you please tell us what is the most important sector where advanced technologies should be transferred? 

I would say that the public transportation sector needs development with advanced technology; especially, in the number of electrical buses currently in use, these should be increased to minimise pollution and to improve our ecology. However it is not completely achievable for Ulaanbaatar city because our public buses do not meet the Euro 5 standard. It is essential to provide a modern public transportation system for 1,3 million citizens. The second issue is air pollution and the coal fired heaters. The insulation, heating and distribution should be more environmentally friendly with advanced technology. 

- Soil contamination is another issue, would you agree that we need advanced technology to solve this potential catastrophe? 

You have raised an important issue, that we have to find a solution,  for, especially in the Ger- district, where we have sewage and waste water contamination issues. 
One of the solutions we have initiated in the building of apartments for Ger district citizens.  

We would like to decentralize the sewage system by being eco – friendly and build small independent sewage treatment facilities that can serves 100 – 2000 families. This will also allow us to take this advanced technology into remote areas and convert bio-degradable waste for use as fertiliser.

- One advantage of new technology is saving energy costs and at the same time it should be environmental and eco-friendly.

Tell us your opinions please. 

- Ulaanbaatar is one of the coldest capitals in the world. The temperature reaches around -30oC to 40oC. In comparison to warmer areas it is difficult to supply energy to the city in a cost effective manner. It is not realistic to disregard fossil fuels including coal in the short term. There are some climate funds and investors that provides financial support for CO2 emission reduction. 

We would like to utilize thermal efficient buildings and support solar systems for the Ger-districts to provide electrical heating and encourage the future development of thermal power. We have received initiatives from various sources, wishing to build solar parks to provide clean energy. 

- What is the interest from international companies to co-operate in the development of their advanced technologies?

- We have initiated the introduction of LED lights for street lighting to save on energy costs. Phillips has offered to bring smart-power technology. Sharp company has also expressed their interest to co-operate with solar power generating systems and Huawei from China have shown interest in co-operation with us.

- Are there any requests from foreign companies for investment in new technology to the city council?

- Most foreign companies wish to bring their technology to Mongolia and have not asked for financial investment.   

With the city‘s limited budget it is difficult to solve all the issues at once. 
Companies have offered to provide eco-friendly LED technology for schools and hospitals in Ulaanbaatar and clean waste energy as well. 

Before this meeting I have met with people from the Worldwide Green Development Fund (WGDF), would like to introduce eco-friendly green buildings to all public places such as schools, kindergartens and hospitals. WGDF has emphasized the importance of using their advanced technology in order to realise joint projects successfully. 

- Technology and Investment Mongolia 2017 international exhibition and conference is being held on the 20th and 21st  of Apr, at the ShangriLa Hotel.

What is the main driving force for you in supporting this event?

- During the past year there has been a number of exhibitions and conferences held in Ulaanbaatar. I am pleased to support this exhibition organised by BM Mongolian Partners LLC, as the city Mayer we see the significance of developing advanced technology with international companies. This exhibition and conference sets new boundaries and trends, in that we have advanced technology from various international companies that are not only focused on the mining sector, but most importantly, in keeping with the driving sectors which enhances further growth within the Mongolian economy such as renewable energy, food processing, infrastructure and city rural planning. 

It is important that we do not import ‘outdated technology’ such as mining equipment that does not improve the economy in efficiency and non - environmental methodology. This is why I am supporting this event in bringing advanced technology from developed countries.

All the sessions at the exhibition are of high importance, however we would like highlight the significance at the urban development and investment session.
Furthermore I am pleased to see a western company is representing advanced technology in the food processing session, as this issue is important for Ulaanbaatar where we have over 1 million citizens who require clean healthy food. There are many associated issues involved in providing clean healthy food and as such we welcome any company in supporting this achievement.