Ulaanbaatar, January 2, 2024 /MONTSAME/. Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai made remarks at the Launching Ceremony of the Mongolian National Brand “GoMongolia” on December 30, 2023. 

At the onset of the speech, Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene said, “In the passing year of 2023, under the policy to foster tourism, Mongolia successfully implemented liberalization in the air transport sector, establishing 155 flight destinations in 42 countries, receiving 650,000 foreign tourists, generating USD 1.2 billion in revenue exclusively from the tourism sector.” 

Mongolian Premier Oyun-Erdene expressed his appreciation for the tourism industry, highlighting that Mongolia’s international reputation and standing increased, and for the first time, Mongolia topped the list of the best countries to travel to. In 2023, the world's leading content creators released 40 content about Mongolia on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, reaching approximately 155 million people. Mongolia launched collaborations with major international media organizations such as CNN and National Geographic. As a result, the positive perception of Mongolia increased by 38 percent. 

The Prime Minister noted main economic indicators, including a 6.8 percent growth in the Mongolian economy in 2023. The total export revenue saw a twofold increase compared to the pre-pandemic period. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) surged to MNT 63.3 trillion, and the GDP per capita achieved a milestone of reaching USD 5,220 for the first time. Notably, Mongolia's state budget and balance of payments recorded a surplus, a noteworthy accomplishment for the first time in its history. 

"Thanks to those achievements, Mongolia has entirely paid off its 'Samurai' bond (JPY 30 billion, approximately USD 200 million) and the USD 500 million 'Euro' bond of the Development Bank, both solely from its own sources," stressed Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene. 

“Also, we witnessed several significant events this year occur in the spiritual world of Mongolians, such as after 266 years, the 10th Bogd Khaan enthroned from Mongolia, and 777 years after Khaan Guyug sent a reply letter, the Head of the Holy See Pope Francis visited Mongolia for the first time. Mongolia has started a new 30 years of progress towards leapfrog development by carrying out system reforms. In that respect, 2023 commenced with the slogan “Welcome to Mongolia,” becoming a year that will be etched in history as a period of reform,” Mr. Oyun-Erdene continued. 

In 2023, Mongolia made an international declaration of its national brand, “Welcome to Mongolia.” The country introduced a policy to foster investment and tourism, created a legal framework for public-private partnership, streamlined marketing, and embarked on a grand initiative for collaboration internationally. In 2024, Mongolia will launch the “MonGOlia, Always Moving” brand to the world, embodying its unified national values and boosting tourism. We believe it will indicate the country's development state, reinforce shared national values, and become an internationally recognized symbol, resulting in increased tourism and investment. 

The keyword "MonGOlia" includes the word "GO" which expresses the comprehensive meaning of "Aspiring Mongolia." Experts believe that "GoMongolia" can express a variety of meanings. It may convey Mongolia's historical significance as the Great Empire and its status as the homeland of Nomads and a country with an energetic young population. Furthermore, it represents Mongolia as a country constantly advancing and embracing parliamentary governance, standing as an oasis of democracy in the region. "GoMongolia" can also encapsulate the idea of visiting Mongolia to immerse oneself in new and unique experiences.