The 10th Eastern Economic Forum opened in Russia’s Far Eastern port city under the theme “The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity”. The event brought together heads of state and government, parliamentarians, senior officials, business leaders and international organizations to explore opportunities for cooperation, investment and sustainable growth in one of the most strategically important regions of the world. Mongolia was represented at the highest level by Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar, who emphasized during his speech at the expanded session that Mongolia is determined to strengthen its trade and investment ties in East and Southeast Asia and to play a greater role in the economic development of the Far East.
He said, “We are interested in expanding trade and economic relations in the Far East region and expanding trade and investment with countries around the world, especially East and Southeast Asia. In addition to geographical advantages, there are huge opportunities such as natural resources, high productivity, and skilled human resources.”
The prime minister highlighted that Mongolia’s economy has grown by an average of 5.9 percent over the past three years, despite external challenges, and pointed to the government’s continued efforts to diversify the economy, maintain macroeconomic stability, and create a favorable climate for foreign investors. “Our government continues to pay special attention to diversifying the economy, strengthening macroeconomic stability, creating a favorable business and investment environment, and increasing openness to foreign trade,” he added.
On the sidelines of the forum, Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for bilateral discussions. During the meeting, the Mongolian side raised an urgent request for Russia to supply 100,000 to 150,000 tons of wheat and animal feed at discounted prices. This appeal comes as Mongolia faces severe agricultural challenges, with drought affecting key farming regions and threatening food security.
President Putin responded positively, confirming that Russia’s strong harvest this year makes such a supply feasible. He also underlined that Russia remains the world’s leading wheat exporter and that there is no obstacle to supporting Mongolia in this way. “There is nothing to prevent the Mongolian side from resolving this request,” Putin said, adding that both governments should coordinate through their ministries to resolve the technical aspects quickly.
For Mongolia, the wheat request is not only about immediate relief but also about ensuring food security and supporting livestock-based communities affected by climate pressures. Analysts note that discounted wheat and animal feed could help stabilize domestic markets and ease inflationary pressures that typically follow poor harvests.
On top of that, the premier met with a delegation from Gazprom, led by Chairman of the Board of Directors Alexey Miller, during the Eastern Economic Forum. At the meeting, Miller highlighted that at the recent trilateral summit of Russia, Mongolia and China in Beijing, the three countries reached an agreement to implement a project to construct a natural gas pipeline from Russia to China through Mongolian territory. Prime Minister G.Zandanshatar expressed Mongolia’s full support for the mega project, underscoring its strategic significance for regional cooperation and economic growth.
In addition to discussions on the pipeline project, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the government of Mongolia and Gazprom was signed to advance the Ulaanbaatar gasification initiative.
Mongolia’s participation in the Eastern Economic Forum is not new. Since 2016, the country has joined seven times, four of which were attended by the President and once each by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Finance.
This year’s forum attracted more than 6,000 representatives from 36 countries. Around 90 events are scheduled, including the ASEAN Business Council meeting, discussions on Arctic trade and investment, and the Falcon Day cultural event, which is now in its third year.
