The JICA Mongolia Office will facilitate effective collaboration with Mongolian and Japanese stakeholders to address Mongolia's development challenges and advance the economic development of Mongolian society, as well as the well-being of the Mongolian people.
About Mongolia
Mongolia has a population of approximately 3.5 million, residing in an area four times the size of Japan. Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, is home to about half of the population. It offers a contrasting image to that of the steppe, with skyscrapers and a high level of electronic commerce, including at local markets. In some respects, it is more advanced than Japan.
Furthermore, there is a notable enthusiasm for learning Japanese, with the highest number of students studying in Japan per capita in the world. Additionally, numerous individuals have pursued and are currently engaged in various professional endeavors following their studies abroad, and they frequently converse in Japanese. The average age of the population is less than 30 years old, which is relatively young (Japan is in the late 40s), and it has abundant natural and mineral resources. Mongolia has also achieved notable economic growth in recent years (GDP per capita is about $6,000), making it a dynamic country with the potential for further development.
On the other hand, rapid development and urbanization in Ulaanbaatar have led to some challenges associated with the concentration and modernization of the population, such as traffic congestion, air pollution, an increase in the number of poor families, and a shortage of schools and teachers. Furthermore, as a landlocked country situated between the major powers of China and Russia, Mongolia faces a number of challenges at the national level, including a fragile economic and industrial infrastructure, regional disparities, and a lack of basic social services.
JICA cooperation with Mongolia
Economic cooperation in Mongolia began in 1977 with grant aid for the construction of the Gobi Cashmere Factory. JICA's cooperation with Mongolia commenced in 1984 with the dispatch of experts. Following the country's transition to a market economy in 1990, JICA expanded its engagement with the first dispatch of volunteers in 1992 and the opening of the JICA Mongolia Office in Ulaanbaatar in 1997. The people of Mongolia continue to express their gratitude for Japan's cooperation during a period of political and economic uncertainty. I am confident that our partnership is built on a foundation of mutual trust.
At present, over 30 members of the office staff and almost 100 stakeholders, including Japanese experts and volunteers, are actively involved in a number of projects. These projects cover a wide range of fields, including technical and financial cooperation, private-sector partnership, and citizen participation cooperation. They also include initiatives in macroeconomic management, strengthening administrative and financial governance, industrial diversification, infrastructure development, environment, health, education, and support for people with disabilities.
Moving forward, we are committed to continuing our efforts to promote solutions to Mongolia's development issues in close collaboration with Mongolia and our valued partners in the domestic and international community. Our goal is to further reinforce the relationship between Mongolia and Japan in a way that allows as many people as possible to gain a deeper understanding of Mongolia's unique appeal. We would be truly grateful for your support and collaboration.
November 2024
Chief Representative
JICA Mongolia Office
Kensuke Miyagi
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