MoU with EU supports projects worth 15 million euro

Dr. Michael Pulch and S.Bayartsogt signing the MoU

On November 11, the Government of Mongolia and the European Union (EU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Multiannual Indicative Plan (MIP) for cooperation for the period 2011-2013, on the occasion of the annual meeting of the EU Member States Ambassadors with the Prime Minister of Mongolia, S. Batbold, by the Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Mongolia, Dr. Michael Pulch, and the Ministry for Finance of Mongolia, S. Bayartsogt.

The MIP 2011-2013 provides the framework for future bilateral cooperation of 5 million euro per year, representing a 40 percent increase of funding to Mongolia as compared to the period 2007-2011.

The funds will be allocated to two major programmes focusing on human resources development:

An 8 million euro programme will be implemented in support of public sector capacities at central and provincial level for improvements of norms and standards in the field of governance, democracy, human rights and institutional reforms. This will be in direct response to the intention of the Government of Mongolia to adopt European standards in the country.

A 7 million euro programme will be implemented in support of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for the development of sustainable livelihoods and for the protection of the environment in rural areas.

Both programmes are now in their identification phase and the operational details will be worked out during 2011. The EU expects its Member States active in Mongolia to associate themselves with both initiatives so as to ensure a coherent and synergetic approach while ensuring the widest possible coverage.

The MIP 2011-2013 builds on successful ongoing EUMongolia cooperation, amounting to approximately 28 million euro in projects implemented throughout the country, mostly in the field of rural development.

The EU and Mongolia are strengthening their relations also in the trade and political field thanks to a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), which is currently at its last stage of negotiations.

source: The Mongol Messenger newspaper