The Mongolia Trade and Investment Forum

October 2016

JETRO Chairman and CEO Hiroyuki Ishige stated in his opening remarks “Mongolia and Japan have been forging an ever-closer relationship through recent active summit-level diplomacy. The Mongolia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement also entered into force this June. While the effectuation of the EPA marked an important milestone in the history of our relationship, taking advantage of the agreement is more important for the economies of both countries.”

Takumi Ihara, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, gave special guest remarks and stressed the following: “Through the 11 summit meetings and three formal visits to Mongolia by Prime Minister Abe since his inauguration, the relationship between Mongolia and Japan has grown ever closer. The EPA, which went into effect this June, is adding further momentum to this. From here on out, the extent of Mongolia's growth will be determined by the development of both major industries and its abundant natural resources.”

In his keynote speech, Prime Minister Erdenebat had this to say: “The EPA concluded with Japan is the first free trade agreement for Mongolia, and it is a big step forward for the economic growth of our country. It has a significant meaning as well in terms of both countries entering a new phase in economic cooperation, and also in preparing a long-lasting and healthy relationship toward realizing the gradual reduction of tariffs, lowering of trade barriers and proliferation of investment and advanced technologies.”