| Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrain | |
| Office: | 32nd Prime Minister of Mongolia |
| Term Start: | 27 January 2021 |
| President: | Khaltmaagiin Battulga Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh |
| Predecessor: | Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh |
| Office1: | Member of State Great Khural |
| Term Start1: | 5 July 2016 |
| Term End1: | 30 June 2020 |
| Constituency1: | 41th, Khentii Province |
| Term Start2: | 30 June 2020 |
| Term End2: | 2 July 2024 |
| Constituency2: | 18th, Khentii Province |
| Term Start3: | 2 July 2024 |
| Constituency3: | 6th, Dornod, Khentii, Sükhbaatar Provinces |
| Office4: | Chief Cabinet Secretary of Mongolia |
| Term Start4: | 2 February 2019 |
| Term End4: | 27 January 2021 |
| Primeminister4: | Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh |
| Predecessor4: | Gombojavyn Zandanshatar |
| Successor4: | Tsendiin Nyamdorj |
| Office5: | Chairman of the Mongolian People's Party |
| Term Start5: | 25 June 2021 |
| Predecessor5: | Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh |
| Office6: | President of Social Democracy Mongolian Youth Union |
| Term Start6: | September 2010 |
| Term End6: | 21 June 2015 |
| Predecessor6: | Gombojavyn Zandanshatar |
| Successor6: | Ganzorigiin Temüülen |
| Birth Date: | 29 June 1980 |
| Birth Place: | Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian People's Republic |
| Party: | Mongolian People's Party |
| Spouse: | Boldyn Tuul |
| Children: | 3 |
Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai[1] (; born 29 June 1980) is a Mongolian politician who has served as the 32nd Prime Minister of Mongolia since 27 January 2021. He was reappointed to the position by the State Great Khural (Mongolia's parliament) on July 5 2024,[2] following the Mongolian People's Party's victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections, and currently leads a cross-party coalition government.[3]
Oyun-Erdene was born in Ulaanbaatar in 1980 but was raised in Berkh, a village on the Eastern Mongolian Steppes. Oyun-Erdene obtained degrees in both journalism and law[4] in Mongolia before obtaining a Master's degree in Public Policy from Harvard University. At 21, Oyun-Erdene managed the governor's office in Berkh. He later worked abroad with the NGO World Vision, an experience that made him more aware of the challenges facing his own country. Before entering politics, Oyun-Erdene became well-known for his activism against corruption.[5] His leadership during the 2018 protests against government corruption, which saw the participation of over 30,000 citizens, helped cement his reputation as a reformist and paved the way for his succession to Prime Minister in 2021.[6] [7]
Oyun-Erdene's political career took off after his election to the State Great Khural, and his rise up the ministerial ranks was rapid. As Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia from 2019, he took a leading role in efforts to modernise Mongolia's economy through greater use of digital technology, including through drafting a five-year program to expand the country's digital infrastructure.[8] Oyun-Erdene also made his name at this time as a vocal advocate for judicial reform in Mongolia. He gained attention for his criticism of the justice system after the controversial release of executives involved in a money laundering case related to the purchase of Erdenet Mining Corporation shares.[9]
He is a leading figure in Mongolia's modernization efforts, with his time as Prime Minister, seeing Mongolia's level of economic growth rank among the highest in the world following the COVID-19 pandemic, the country's credit rating being upgraded, moves towards economic diversification, an ambitious program to combat corruption, and Mongolia strengthening ties with nations outside of its immediate neighbourhood. Oyun-Erdene has positioned himself as part of a global wave of younger leaders focused on modernization, digital transformation, and progressive policy-making.[10]
In 2021, Oyun-Erdene launched the "New Recovery Policy", a blueprint for tackling long-term barriers to Mongolia's development, in line with the country's "Vision 2050" ambition to become a leading country in its region by the middle of this century.[11]
Luvsannamsrain "Oyuka" Oyun-Erdene was born in Ulaanbaatar in 1980 but was raised in Berkh, a village on the Eastern Mongolian Steppes. Berkh is about 500 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar and known for its fluorspar mine, a mineral rich in calcium and flourine. Berkh has a livestock population ten times larger than its human population.[12]
In the 1980s, Berkh was home to around 10,000 people, the community included Mongolian, Russian, and Kazakh workers, along with prisoners sentenced to labor in the mine. The town's Soviet influence was evident in the hammer and sickle symbols on buildings. Berkh had a few restaurants serving traditional Mongolian dishes and vodka, and its cultural center hosted music and dancing on weekends. Winters were severe, with temperatures dropping to −40°C, and coal smoke often darkened the sky. The hum of the nearby mine was a constant presence in the town.[13]
As a child, Oyun-Erdene struggled with a severe speech impediment until the age of five, when he overcame it with the patient guidance of his grandfather. His grandfather, a respected Buddhist abbot, chess master, and teacher of mathematics and Mongolian language, passed down the patronymic Luvsannamsrai to him.[14]
Oyun-Erdene excelled academically, obtaining degrees in both journalism and law in Mongolia before obtaining a Master's degree in Public Policy from Harvard University in 2015. His time at Harvard provided him with a global perspective on governance and economic development, which has influenced his policies through his career.[15]
At 21, Oyun-Erdene managed the governor's office in Berkh. He later worked abroad with the NGO World Vision as a Regional Director, an experience that made him more aware of the challenges facing his own country.[16] Reflecting on this, he expressed his dismay at seeing how "bureaucratic, corrupt, and politically divided" Mongolia had become compared to much of the world.[17]
Following his time at World Vision, he went on to work in politics as Head of Social Development Division of the Governor's Office of Bayanzukh District of Ulaanbaatar in 2008. He then worked his way up in the Mongolian People's Party, first as Head of Governing Council's Secretariat of the Mongolian People's Party, then President of the Social Democratic Youth Union of Mongolia, Secretary of the party, and finally acting Secretary-General before becoming a Member of Parliament for the party in 2016.[18]
Oyun-Erdene's political career took off after his election to the State Great Khural, and his rise up the ministerial ranks was rapid. As Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia from 2019, he took a leading role in efforts to modernise Mongolia's economy through greater use of digital technology, including through drafting a five-year program to expand the country's digital infrastructure.
The first action of this program was rolling-out E-Mongolia, an online platform which provides 182 different services to citizens. Upon the launch of E-Mongolia, Oyun-Erdene said that "At minimum, MNT 10 billion could be cut on annual expenses related to paper-based document filings and postal services with the help of the full digitization of government services".[19] To date, the platform has helped drive the digitalisation of over 2,000 government services, and approximately 75% of the Mongolian adult population actively uses the platform for accessing services such as company registrations and passport renewals. The Government is now moving towards 90% of its services being digitised.
Oyun-Erdene also made his name at this time as a vocal advocate for judicial reform in Mongolia. He gained attention for his criticism of the justice system after the controversial release of executives involved in a money laundering case related to the purchase of Erdenet Mining Corporation shares.[20] He highlighted the need for parliamentary unity to address corruption and ensure justice in high-profile cases, emphasizing that the fight for justice in Mongolia often faces significant obstacles within the legal framework.
During his time as Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat, Oyun-Erdene also assisted in amending the Constitution of Mongolia. The 2019 amendments strengthened the powers of the Prime Minister.
In January 2021, Oyun-Erdene became Prime Minister of Mongolia following the resignation of Ukhaagiin Khürelsükh. He reshuffled his cabinet and appointed new ministers on August 30, 2022,[21] and again following the 2024 parliamentary election and formation of the new cross-party government.
His administration is widely recognized for its forward-thinking policies aimed at transforming Mongolia's economy and positioning the country as an increasingly important player on the international stage.
Oyun-Erdene's rise to Prime Minister marked the emergence of a new generation of leadership in Mongolia, characterized by fresh perspectives and international experience. Oyun-Erdene brought a global outlook to governance, signalling a break from the older political class that had dominated since Mongolia's 1990 democratic revolution. His leadership appealed to younger Mongolians and professionals abroad (some of whom moved back to Mongolia), with his focus on modernization, innovation, and long-term development through Vision 2050.[22] [23]
Oyun-Erdene's emphasis on digital transformation and economic diversification inspired many Mongolians living overseas to return home, motivated by a shared vision of creating a prosperous, globally connected Mongolia. His policies, centered on sustainable growth in sectors like technology, tourism, and digital services, fostered trust in the country's future, attracting not only expatriates but also foreign talent. This return of skilled professionals has been essential to Oyun-Erdene's broader vision, accelerating Mongolia's integration into the global economy.[24] [25] [26]
When Oyun-Erdene became Prime Minister in January 2021, he immediately made the implementation of Vision 2050 a central pillar of his government's agenda. His administration prioritized aligning national policies with the vision's ambitious goals.[27] One of his top priorities was economic diversification—a response to Mongolia's over-reliance on its mining sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the nation's GDP.[28] Under his leadership, efforts were made to promote sectors such as technology, tourism, and manufacturing, positioning Mongolia to better withstand economic fluctuations and create sustainable, long-term growth.[29] As the Prime Minister said in his address at the 2023 Mongolia Economic Forum, ""Mongolia is landlocked, but not mind locked."[30]
A key aspect of Oyun-Erdene's leadership has been his focus on digital transformation. Recognizing the importance of technology in modern governance and economic competitiveness, he has spearheaded initiatives to digitalize government services and promote e-governance.[31] This shift to digital platforms has improved transparency, reduced inefficiency, and made public services more accessible to Mongolian citizens. Oyun-Erdene has emphasized that this transformation is not just about improving governance but also about preparing Mongolia to thrive in a global economy that increasingly relies on technology and innovation.[32]
In December 2021, Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene launched the New Recovery Policy as part of Mongolia's Vision 2050 to revitalize the economy post-COVID-19. Focused on six pillars—border ports, energy, industrialization, urban and rural development, green development, and state efficiency—the policy aims to tackle long-standing economic challenges and promote sustainable growth.[33]
By 2022, Mongolia's economy grew by 4%,[34] reducing the national budget deficit by 60%, boosting exports, and fully repaying the $1.5 billion 'Chinggis Bond'. The economy became the second fastest-growing in the world in 2023, with GDP per capita rising from $4,000 to $5,678. In 2024, Fitch Ratings upgraded Mongolia's credit rating to B+, citing strong growth in mining, fiscal management, and key reforms.[35] [36] [37]
Infrastructure development has been key, including the completion of the Zuunbayan-Khangi rail link, major highway construction, and new power projects. Since 2021, 7,000 km of highways have been built, and five new border ports opened, helping foreign trade hit a record $24.4 billion in 2023. Renewable energy capacity has expanded, with significant hydroelectric and solar power projects underway.[38] [39]
Looking ahead, priorities include further power plant enhancements, renewable energy projects, and a national satellite program. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) predicts Mongolia's GDP growth will reach 5.0% in 2024 and 8.0% in 2025,[40] driven by mining, private consumption, and fiscal expansion. Mongolia is recognized for its strong economic growth, particularly in Asia.[41]
Tourism has also been a key priority for the Oyun-Erdene administration, as it seeks to increase the number of tourists to one million annually and beyond.
In November 2022, the government launched a campaign to position Mongolia as an attractive destination for international tourists, declaring 2023-2025 as the "Years to Visit Mongolia."[42] Central to this effort was the 'Welcome to Mongolia' initiative, designed to streamline travel processes, modernize the visa system, and lower travel costs. [43]
Key milestones include the introduction of visa-free travel for South Korean citizens in mid-2022[44] and the January 2023 decision to exempt nationals from 34 countries from visa requirements for tourism.[45] In August 2023, during a visit to the United States, Oyun-Erdene announced plans for direct flights between Mongolia and the U.S., set to commence in 2024.[46]
In December 2023, the Prime Minister launched the "Go Mongolia" National Brand.[47] The initiative is designed to promote tourism as well as portray a unified national identity, encompassing economic and social development and an emphasis on core national values. Mongolia welcomed a record 594,000 tourists in 2023, boosting the country's economy by $1.3 billion.
Efforts to transition Mongolia into a more digitally-oriented economy have also been accelerated during Oyun-Erdene's time as Prime Minister.
In December 2022, Oyun-Erdene's government launched its new online procurement portal, "Mindgolia", to boost the country's tech sector and to transition the country's economy "from mining to mind."[48] The website allows companies to search for products by software category, view reviews, and choose products and services by looking at other people's ratings of them.[49]
In April 2023, Oyun-Erdene launched the E-Business online platform to help businesses start and grow more easily, cutting down on bureaucracy and waiting times by streamlining exchanges between government and business.[50] At the Mongolia Economic Forum in July 2023, the government announced an agreement with SpaceX and Starlink to launch a new era of high-speed internet connectivity.[51] Mongolia now has two licenses for SpaceX to operate as an internet provider in Mongolia using low-orbit satellites. Since 1 March 2024, Starlink's high-speed internet has been available across 70% of Mongolia's territory.
In August 2023, during Oyun-Erdene's official visit to the United States, it was announced that Google would be partnering with Mongolia to enhance the digital skills of Mongolian teachers and young people, including the provision of 20,000 Chromebooks to schools.[52]
The success of Mongolia's digital transformation efforts has been recognised by leading international metrics. In September 2024, the latest edition of the UN's respected E-Government Index, which assesses nations' progress across the different dimensions of e-government, saw Mongolia climb 28 places in just two years to reach 46th place. Mongolia also climbed 20 places to 37th on the E-Participation Index, which measures citizens' engagement with government through digital platforms.[53]
Mining remains a vital part of Mongolia's economy under Oyun-Erdene's leadership, with major reforms aimed at enhancing its benefits for the population. In March 2023, Oyun-Erdene and Rio Tinto's CEO celebrated the start of underground copper production at the Oyu Tolgoi mine.[54] This milestone positions Mongolia as a major player in global copper production, with the project expected to yield an annual average of 500,000 tons of copper from 2028 to 2036, which could support the production of approximately 6 million electric vehicles per year.[55] The Oyu Tolgoi operation, employing around 20,000 workers (97% of whom are Mongolian), has invested $15 billion in the local economy, including $4 billion in taxes and other payments since 2010.[56]
At the ceremony, Oyun-Erdene highlighted the collaborative efforts with Rio Tinto to boost economic diversification through Mongolia's Vision 2050 and New Recovery Policy. These initiatives focus on sustainable development, with the Natural Wealth Fund launched in 2024 to direct resource revenues toward diversification efforts. Coal exports also increased significantly under his leadership, from 36 million tons in 2021 to 70 million tons in 2023, generating 6.6 trillion MNT in revenue.[57]
The state-owned Erdenet Mining Corporation, which returned to public ownership, has seen a marked rise in profitability, contributing 1.9 trillion MNT in taxes by 2023, up from 180 billion MNT in 2016. The Corporation now pays dividends to citizens, with the amount projected to reach 500,000 MNT per person in 2024.[58] In September 2024, Oyun-Erdene's government launched an international recruitment process for Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC management to strengthen governance, transparency, and efficiency within the state-owned enterprise.[59]
During the December 2022 Mongolian protests, thousands protested in Mongolia's capital against alleged corruption in Mongolia's coal industry and inflation.[60] Following these protests and as part of the New Recovery Policy's commitment to tackling corruption, the Prime Minister put forward an initiative to change the governance of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC (ETT), making the company public. This was aimed at improving transparency within the mining sector.[61] The Prime Minister also set up a six-month investigation into ETT.[62] In January 2023, Mongolia took further steps to crack down on corruption by passing the Commodities Exchange Law, which requires state-owned enterprises to trade export commodities on a new mining commodity exchange.[63]
In January 2023, Mongolia's anti-corruption authority announced that over 30 officials, including the chief executive of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi, were under investigation for embezzlement.[64] In July 2023, Mongolia became the first APAC country to implement all 40 recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force, and the fifth globally.[65] [66]
In May 2023, the Mongolian Parliament passed constitutional amendments to enlarge the legislative body, from 76 members to 126, and adopt a more proportional electoral system for the 2024 elections. Oyun-Erdene stated that the proportional system would prevent the government from being used for private gain.[67]
Since 2021, the Government's Anti-Corruption Programme has led to 2.4 trillion MNT being seized back from corrupt individuals, and $12.2 million being repatriated back to Mongolia. According to some estimates, losses from corruption in Mongolia declined by 83.1% between 2022 and 2023, from 5 trillion MNT to 85 billion MNT.[68]
On the international front, Oyun-Erdene has worked to strengthen Mongolia's relationships with key global partners in line with the country's "Third Neighbour" policy, which seeks to strengthen the country's ties with nations outside its immediate neighbourhood.[69]
In October 2022, Oyun-Erdene visited Germany and met with Chancellor Scholz, during which both sides re-iterated their desire for closer co-operation. This was followed by the two countries entering into a strategic partnership in February 2024.[70]
The Prime Minister's visit to South Korea in February 2023 resulted in a new committee being formed on the rare material supply chain.[71] Memorandums of Understanding were signed with South Korea's KT Group to explore potential opportunities in digital transformation businesses, mineral resources and digital finance-related ventures.[72] Additionally, Oyun-Erdene agreed to support South Korea's bid to host the World Expo in the southern city of Busan in 2030 during the trip, saying that "the more South Korea prospers the more beneficial it will be to all Asian countries."[73] This was followed by Oyun-Erdene making a working trip to South Korea in March-April 2024, during which he launched the country's new "Go Mongolia" national brand and met South Korea's Prime Minister Han Duk-soo.[74]
Oyun-Erdene made an official visit to the United States of America in August 2023. During his visit to Washington D.C., the Prime Minister agreed with representatives of the Biden administration to deepen cooperation on mining rare earth metals and other minerals which could be of use to high-tech appliances.[75] Upon meeting Vice President Kamala Harris, Oyun-Erdene said he made clear "the importance of U.S. investment and involvement with mega projects in Mongolia" and highlighted that Mongolia's links with the USA were not just of economic nature, saying that the country is "the North Star for Mongolia's market economy and democratic values."[76]
In February 2024, Mongolia and the United Arab Emirates signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to agree cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) development and governance.[77] Under the terms of the agreement, both countries will work on "joint research projects, exchange of policies related to AI, and co-operation on capacity building as well as other means to support the development of AI."
Then British Foreign Secretary David Cameron visited Mongolia in April 2024 as part of a diplomatic tour of Central and East Asia.[78] As part of the trip, Cameron visited the Prime Minister's Ikh Tenger residence and toured secondary school No. 23 in Ulaanbaatar, where he announced that the UK will provide £10 million over three years to support the implementation of the English language program in Mongolia.[79]
In August 2024, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while on an official state visit to Mongolia, met with Oyun-Erdene, during which the two shared their satisfaction with the development of commitments and bilateral relations to further Mongolia's 'Third Neighbor Policy' through the consolidation and expansion of relations relating to politics, economics, defense, education, people-to-people, culture and humanitarianism.[80]