It is becoming imperative for governments to digitize public services, as private sector already has outstripped. So, governments are undergoing digital transformation in order to deliver government services and programs more efficiently, transparently, and cost-effectively. Especially when COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, it became more in demand. Well Mongolia is not lagging far behind.
On October 1st 2020, Communications and Information Technology Authority officially launched and introduced “E-Mongolia” system, an integrated digital system for public services. “E-Mongolia” system allows citizens and legal entities to get government services they need via web portal www.e-mongolia.mn and “E-Mongolia” mobile application at any time, from home or work, from overseas, and without the need to visit government organization (sadly not in all cases). At its launch “E-Mongolia” system offered about 181 types of services from 23 government bodies. Now one year later it is offering over 450 types of services from more than 35 government bodies. But this is not the first-time that digital platform for public services has been introduced. Previously, several government bodies already have separately launched and still continue to operate digital platforms for their services. For example, in early 2000s General Tax Authority initiated and subsequently launched digital system for tax filing, then in 2016 separately launched online VAT incentive system (links can be found on https://mta.mn/). With launch of “E-Mongolia” system all previous public services digital platforms that operated separately are being integrated into one coherent, inter-connected system. Accordingly, this will speed up the exchange of information between government bodies and speed up the decision-making process. As a result, public services will be transparent, fast, hassle-free and accessible to public. However, “E-Mongolia” system is not fully developed yet, and continues to being developed.
Currently the system offers services that are most frequently and widely used by public, such as obtaining various referral statements, getting a passport, a driver’s license, paying various taxes and duties, etc. At first sight it may look like the system offers more services that are geared towards individuals, but there are available many public services for legal entities as well. For example, registering amendments to statutory documents with state registration authority, obtaining a permit to operate a hotel or a tourist camp, obtaining a license to conduct auditing activities, obtaining various referral statements from relevant government bodies, etc. However, public services with more complex nature, like obtaining a land use certificate or an immovable property certificate, or obtaining a construction permit, are still provided in an “old-fashioned” manner. So let’s hope that all public services will be available online very soon.