The broad theme of inclusive economic growth were discussed in four thematic panel discussions, which are closer to devote themes such as Integrating SMEs into Global Value Chain, Building Infrastructure within the framework of tripartite economic corridor between the Russian Federation, Mongolia and People’s Republic of China and Investment in "Green" Development. Within this panel, there were presentations of representatives of the financial sector - the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank and the International Investment Bank, i.e. institutions that are interested in involvement in projects in Mongolia for building new production capacities of environmentally friendly energy.

Talks about infrastructure that would ensure connectivity between continents during the forum was mainly referring to the agreement signed by Presidents of the PRC, Mongolia and the Russian Federation at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization held at Tashkent in June 2016. The Mongolian side is interested to implement 32 projects however priorities and financing options of which have not yet been solved (mainly transport and border infrastructure). By the end of it, according to the agreement statesmen will establish Investment and Planning Center in Ulaanbaatar, which will address specific project issues. Czech Embassy will inform about opportunities for Czech entities that they could be involved in an actual project.

The President of the European Commission H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker mentioned in his speech that the business forum reflects the priorities of the EU and building infrastructure connectivity must be accompanied by harmonization of standards that could facilitate the free movement of goods, services and capital. He recalled the adoption of the Paris Agreement, which was negotiated last year during the Climate Conference, saying that investments in green energy are the best investment for our future.

The Forum was closed by the President of Mongolia H.E. Mr. Ts. Elbedorj who highlighted in his speech the June Agreement signed in Tashkent and the importance of tripartite economic corridor for the development of Mongolia.

The conclusion of the Asia-Europe Business Forum has been processed into so-called ‘Ulaanbaatar Declaration’ which was undertaken and presented for approval to the ASEM meeting participants.

 

Mr. Ladislav Horak, Head of Economic Section of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ulaanbaatar