Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Mongolia hosted its May Monthly Meeting with independent opinion leaders on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at Shangri-La Hotel in Ulaanbaatar. The panelists, including Mr. Jargalsaikhan Dambadarjaa, Executive Director of DeFacto Institute; Mr. Sumati Luvsandendev, Director of the Sant Maral Foundation; and Ms. Ashleigh Whelan, Resident Program Director, Asia at the International Republican Institute, participated in an in-depth panel discussion, “Developing Private Sector Recommendations for the Presidential Candidates”.

The meeting convened senior level business leaders from among AmCham members and representatives of Mongolia’s leading businesses. The guest speakers provided their perspectives on the medium and long-term development of Mongolia, recommendations for the presidential candidates, and outlooks on the post-election political environment.

Mr. D. Jargalsaikhan, Executive Director of DeFacto Institute, opened the discussion by saying, “There should be a professional debate between the candidates on key issues of the country with an independent host,” and he stressed the importance of a president’s role in eradicating corruption in Mongolia.

Mr. Sumati Luvsandendev, Director of the Sant Maral Foundation, commented on the Mongolian people’s perceptions of corruption and noted, “In 2008, 84% of Mongolian people thought that corruption was a common practice in Mongolia, and in 2017, 86% of the people thought the same way, without any significant change.” Mr. Sumati noted politicians’ lack of delivery on their promises, adding, “Mongolian politicians keep promising to support young people and the private sector, but once they get into power, they do just the opposite.”

Ms. Ashleigh Whelan, Resident Program Director, Asia at the International Republican Institute, said,  “Politicians need to focus on showing how they can be different from the past, as clearly as possible. Their policy agenda and election promises need to be applicable to individuals, so that people care and actively participate in the election.”

“AmCham thanks our members who participated in today’s meeting and gave their recommendations and suggestions for the presidential candidates, in terms of further improving Mongolia’s private sector. AmCham Mongolia stands ready to work with the next president in creating an enabling business environment and a strong private sector in Mongolia,” said Mr. Jay Liotta, the Chairman of AmCham and Letterhead Partner of MahoneyLiotta LLP, during his closing remarks.

Source: The American Chamber of Commerce in Mongolia