Embassy of the United States Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

On June 2, 2011, USAID/Mongolia celebrates 20 years of partnership with the people of Mongolia.  The celebration presents an opportunity to highlight the successes of the last two decades as Mongolia transitioned to democracy and a free market economy. 

In spite of its small budget relative to other donors, the partnership between Mongolia and USAID has been highly instrumental in contributing to this successful transition.  This celebration will relay key achievements of this partnership during the last twenty years.

USAID launched its first program in Mongolia in November 1991 with a grant of $10 million to provide emergency supplies and spare parts to the country’s power plants. By 1998, USAID had provided an additional $50 million in supplies, equipment and technical assistance to help strengthen and sustain Mongolia’s crucially important energy sector. 

Other early programs focused on health and emergency food supplies. In addition, USAID funded a variety of trainings and other activities aimed at promoting economic reform and advancing civil society.

Since the early 1990s, USAID has promoted economic growth by supporting policy reforms that encourage private sector investment and enterprise development.  USAID has worked closely with all parts of the political spectrum to transform Mongolia’s tax structure and improve its investment climate.  This has led to a lower tax burden on businesses, increased production, and new jobs.  USAID activities have improved trade policy, helped broaden and deepen financial markets, improved corporate governance, and strengthened the banking sector.  USAID has also helped develop a market-oriented regulatory environment to promote the competitive and efficient delivery of energy services.

Since 2001, USAID has contributed to a more accountable and transparent judiciary by improving case management, access to information and automation.  While judicial reform work ended in 2009, USAID governance activities continue with anti-corruption activities and efforts to incorporate civil society into the decision-making process and strengthen the interactions between citizens and their representatives.

Total USAID assistance provided from 1991 through 2010 has exceeded $200 million, all of it in grant form. The program is managed by a nine-person USAID Mission in Ulaanbaatar. Specific projects are implemented through a network of contractors and grantees in cooperation with both public and private sector Mongolian partners.

The current USAID strategy in Mongolia links the two main themes of good governance and private sector-led economic growth.

USAID/Mongolia looks forward to continuing its strong and results-oriented relationship with the people of Mongolia.

See also:

• June 3, 2011 - Op-Ed by Ambassador Addleton on "Celebrating 20 Years of USAID in Mongolia: Actions Speak Louder Than Words"
• June 2, 2011 - Remarks by Ambassador Addleton on the 20th anniversary of USAID in Mongolia
• USAID/Mongolia’s 20th anniversary event youtube channel: www.youtube.com/usaidmongolia20

For more information please visit USAID/Mongolia website