BUSINESS FORUM FOCUSES ON INTRODUCING HOKKAIDO TECHNOLOGY TO MONGOLIA

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ The Second Mongolia-Hokkaido Business Forum took place on Monday in the Consensus hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hokkaido Prefecture is considered as the coldest area in Japan, and it’s climate is similar to Mongolia’s. The province has technologies that are suitable for its natural and climatic conditions, and it can be used in Mongolia. Therefore, with the initiative of MP S.Bold the cooperation with the prefecture started and established a unified body, society for support Mongolia-Hokkaido economic ties, one year ago. The forum is organized within this organization and delegates, consisting of over 30 people from Japan participated the forum. E. Sarantogos, Director of the Asia-Pacific Department of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, said: "The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two countries was established one year ago. The trade turnover has been increasing. However, this agreement should be used as a lever to bring significant changes in the Mongolian economy. Especially we are making efforts to link businessmen of the two countries, introduce Japanese technology and develop collaboration of the Mongolian and Japanese companies to produce products jointly and supply them to domestic and neighboring countries’ market. This forum is significant to realize these goals,” During the forum, some Japanese companies introduced their activities and expressed their interest of cooperation field. For example, one Japanese company made studies in the agriculture sector. The conditions for growing vegetables are very limited in Mongolia. However, the company’s study revealed that use of soil heat can extend cultivation period from March in spring until November in autumn. Also, representatives from tourism companies were present at the forum. They said Hokkaido is located closer than Tokyo from Mongolia. Therefore possibility to make direct flight to the prefecture is being studied to increase people’s travel. Moreover, the Waaken company is studying whether its technology to construct building in cold weather suitable to Mongolian condition. B.Ooluun