The first-ever European Union–Mongolia Business and Investment Forum took place in Ulaanbaatar, marking a major milestone in the deepening of economic relations between the European Union and Mongolia. The event aimed to strengthen business cooperation, encourage sustainable growth, expand trade, and attract long-term investment opportunities. More than 700 participants attended, including senior representatives from the European Council, the European Investment Bank, Mongolia’s Prime Minister, government ministers, and high-level officials. Around 70 European companies and over 200 Mongolian enterprises joined the forum, alongside international financial institutions, development organizations, and other key stakeholders.
Aligned with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the Team Europe approach, cooperation with Mongolia focuses on building sustainable, inclusive, and resilient infrastructure to drive long-term national development. The EU has been a longstanding partner of Mongolia, offering preferential trade access through the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and supporting democratic and economic reforms. Under the EU’s Multiannual Indicative Programme 2021–2027, collaboration prioritizes renewable energy, sustainable connectivity, water and waste management, and forest partnerships, consistent with Mongolia’s Vision 2050 strategy. Through Global Gateway investments, the EU also supports digital transformation, economic diversification, and democratic governance to ensure inclusive and environmentally responsible growth.
The forum featured high-level plenary sessions that explored investment prospects and Mongolia’s evolving business environment. Senior officials and business leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to fostering a diversified and competitive economy. Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav highlighted Mongolia’s focus on industrial development, improving investment conditions, and leveraging European innovation and expertise to support national growth. He emphasized Mongolia’s commitment to maintaining investor confidence through consistent policies and reforms.
Over two days, participants engaged in sectoral discussions on renewable energy, healthcare, textiles, mining, infrastructure, agribusiness, and forestry. The event also included a pitching competition for entrepreneurs and product exhibitions by European companies. Matchmaking sessions created opportunities for partnerships and direct investment discussions, setting the stage for practical collaborations between Mongolian and European businesses.
A key highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Government of Mongolia, paving the way for up to €1 billion in investment to support renewable energy, sustainable transport, and modern infrastructure. The initiative, backed by the European Commission, is designed to advance Mongolia’s green transition and ensure access to affordable, secure, and clean energy.
EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting that the EU’s Global Gateway framework will enhance investment in climate-resilient, sustainable infrastructure and inclusive growth. EU Ambassador to Mongolia Ina Marčiulionytė, in her closing remarks, commended the success of the forum in identifying new opportunities for cooperation across multiple sectors. She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to working alongside Mongolia to drive sustainable development, innovation, and mutually beneficial economic growth.
The Global Gateway represents the EU’s broader vision for sustainable and reliable global connections that serve both people and the planet. It aims to address major global challenges — from combating climate change to improving health systems and enhancing global supply chain resilience — through partnerships rooted in sustainability, transparency, and shared prosperity.
