Category Archives: foreign trade

Digital Origin Certificates for Exports from Mongolia to Japan



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The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Mongolia and Japan came into effect in 2016, with implementation starting on June 7, 2016. This agreement aims to boost trade, investment, and industrial sector exports, while also increasing foreign currency earnings between the two nations. The EPA focuses on reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, facilitating trade, and simplifying customs procedures for smoother transactions.

Under the agreement, both countries negotiated a reduction in import customs tariffs for a wide range of goods. Mongolia will benefit from a reduction on 59% of the imported goods, which includes around 3,429 types of products across 97 categories. On the other hand, Japan has agreed to lower tariffs on 86% of the goods imported from Mongolia, covering approximately 8,000 types of goods. These tariff reductions came into effect as soon as the agreement was implemented.

To further streamline the export process, Mongolia will now digitize the origin certificates for goods being exported to Japan. According to the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), starting from May 7, 2025, exporters will receive their origin certificates electronically in PDF format. This move is part of an ongoing effort to improve the efficiency and convenience of trade between the two nations.

With this transition to digital certificates, Mongolia and Japan continue to strengthen their economic relationship, creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

#MongoliaJapanTrade #EconomicPartnershipAgreement #DigitalCertificates #TradeEfficiency #ExportBusiness #MongolianExports #JapanTrade #TradeSimplification #CustomsProcedures #BusinessOpportunities #MNCCI

Tax Incentives for Businesses Operating in Free Zones in Mongolia: What You Need to Know



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Are you considering investing in a free zone? The benefits can go beyond logistical advantages—there are tax incentives you might be eligible for, depending on the nature of your business and your investment scale. Let’s explore the opportunities outlined in the Corporate Income Tax Law and how they can work for you.

What Are Free Zones?

Free zones are designated areas where businesses can operate under special regulations designed to encourage investment, innovation, and trade. To support economic development, many governments offer tax reliefs to incentivize investments in infrastructure and key facilities within these zones.

Tax Relief: How It Works

Under Article 22.5 of the Corporate Income Tax Law, businesses operating in free zones can enjoy significant tax breaks if they meet one of the following conditions:

1. Investing in Free Zone Infrastructure

If your business has invested $500,000 USD or more in critical infrastructure, such as:

  • Energy and heating systems
  • Pipelines and clean water supply
  • Sewage systems
  • Roads, railways, or airports
  • Communication networkss

Then, 50% of the income you earn from the free zone—equal to the amount of your investment—will be exempt from corporate income tax.

2. Investing in Specific Free Zone Facilities

If your investment focuses on constructing or developing:

  • Warehouses
  • Loading and unloading terminals
  • Hotels or tourism complexes
  • Factories producing export-oriented or import-substituting products

And your investment totals $300,000 USD or more, you’re also eligible for a tax break. Similar to infrastructure investments, 50% of your income from the free zone—up to the value of your investment—is exempt from corporate income tax.

Beyond the tax incentives, free zones offer:

  • Easier access to global markets
  • Streamlined customs procedures
  • Modern infrastructure tailored for business operations
  • Networking opportunities with like-minded entrepreneurs

These advantages make free zones a hotspot for businesses aiming to expand regionally or globally while optimizing costs.

How a New EU-Funded Project is Boosting Foreign Trade in Mongolia



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In an exciting move for Mongolia’s foreign trade, the European Union-funded “Foreign Trade Support Project in Mongolia” is working closely with the General Department of Customs to enhance trade facilitation and promote economic growth. On August 8, 2024, the project team met with Deputy Head G. Enkhtaivan to discuss strategic actions aimed at streamlining customs processes, fostering stronger business partnerships, and improving coordination across government agencies.

Key Goals of the Project:

  • Simplifying foreign trade processes
  • Promoting the export of non-mining goods
  • Reducing trade costs and operational time
  • Boosting Mongolia’s economic competitiveness

Empowering SMEs and Removing Barriers This project is particularly focused on creating opportunities for Mongolian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access European markets by addressing non-tariff barriers, and ultimately diversifying the country’s export portfolio.

Customs Policy Reform: The General Department of Customs is also playing a pivotal role, prioritizing reforms such as updating cross-border legislation, conducting impact analyses, and fostering public-private partnerships to ensure smooth implementation of these changes.

Deputy Head Enkhtaivan noted the collaboration as essential to ensuring Mongolia’s competitiveness in global trade.

With a promising road ahead, this project is poised to transform Mongolia’s foreign trade landscape by facilitating more efficient processes and increasing opportunities for local businesses.

#MongoliaTrade #ForeignTradeSupport #CustomsReform #EUProjects #EconomicGrowth #TradePolicy #SMEs #MongoliaEconomy #TradeFacilitation #MongolianExport #PublicPrivatePartnership #BusinessGrowth #Mongolia #ExportDiversification #CustomsEfficiency #NonTariffBarriers #InternationalTrade #EconomicCompetitiveness #TradeReform #SMEOpportunity #CustomsLegislation #CrossBorderTrade #TradeInnovation #MongolianBusinesses #GlobalTrade