amcham 2015 edited 12 final · 2015 marked another innovative and prosperous year for amcham...
TRANSCRIPT
ANNUAL REPORT 2015
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Message from the Founder and Outgoing Chairman
Message from the Chairman
Leadership
Finances
Membership
Events
Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce
Advocacy
Testimonials
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5
6
7
8
10
26
29
33
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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We have a motto at AmCham that we like to live by: Our best today, but better tomorrow. These words, borrowed from Ben Bradlee, former Managing Editor of the Washington Post, come to mind as we enter the Holiday Season and mark the close of 2015. I find it natural to look back and reflect on the lessons and achievements of the past year and to also look forward with anticipation and clear focus for the coming year.
Indeed, 2015 proved to be another banner year for AmCham Mongolia. I could not be more proud of the great work of the AmCham staff and each of AmCham’s excellent member companies. AmCham took another step forward this year in ensuring the sustainability of the organization through growth in membership and revenue and also by delivering meaningful and impactful services to AmCham members.
The year ahead certainly proposes both challenges and opportunities for the organization and its members. For the organization, the focus must be on maintaining growth without compromising its deep dedication to each
member. For our member companies, 2016 should be a year to rededicate their commitment to Mongolia and to actively participate in creating a better narrative for Mongolia and its economy.
The year ahead will witness quite a bit of transition. Nevertheless, I am confident that AmCham and its member companies will distinguish themselves by remaining dedicated to Mongolia and its economic growth and to building a strong private sector that creates wealth and opportunity.
Let’s get to work!
Jackson CoxFounder & Chairman (2012-2015)
MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER AND OUTGOING CHAIRMAN
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2015 marked another innovative and prosperous year for AmCham Mongolia thanks to the active participation of our membership and our service-oriented staff.
Overall, membership satisfaction reached a record of 91%, with 90% of our members being satisfied with AmCham events, 86% being satisfied with AmCham networking opportunities, and 82% being satisfied with AmCham policy and advocacy efforts on behalf of its members. With such high levels of approval, it is no surprise that we had a 55% growth in membership during 2015.
In 2016 we will continue to offer unparalleled services and benefits to our members and strive to be even better. We will do this by further tailoring our Daily Newswire, Weekly Policy Note and advocacy efforts to our members interests, enhancing the role of our fulltime Director of Policy and Advocacy to meet our members needs, introducing a fulltime Director of Communications, leading public-private dialogues, and by building bridges between Mongolia, the greater Asia region and the United States.
2016 offers tremendous opportunity for strengthening our ties between Mongolia and the United States and helping our members to achieve their development goals.
Sincerely,
James Liotta
Chairman
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
The American Chamber of Commerce in Mongolia (AmCham Mongolia) is led by a governing body of directors with diverse experiences and professions from local and international markets. The board of directors is responsible for making critical decisions that guide AmCham Mongolia’s long-term success and strategies. Quarterly board meetings are held to ensure the operational success of AmCham Mongolia under the supervision of the board’s advice and assistance. In 2015, the AmCham Mongolia board of directors consisted of the following individuals:
Chairman: Jackson CoxFounder & CEO of Woodmont International
Vice Chairman: Magnai GanzorigExecutive Director of G-Mobile
Director: Arshad Sayed
President of Peabody Mongolia and India
Director: Bat-Erdene GankhuyagFounder & CEO of Nomsys
Director: Onchinsuren Dendevsambuu
Country Managing Director of Deloitte Onch
Director: Michael JonasDirector and Executive Vice President of Genie Oil Shale Mongolia
Executive Director: Tricia Turbold
Director of Policy and Advocacy: Adiya Oyungerel
Director: Mandah KarlsenCo-Founder and Executive Director of Ayanchin Outfitters LLC
Director: James A. Liotta
Letterhead Partner at MahoneyLiotta LLP
Director: Steve Potter
Executive Director of Wagner Asia Equipment
Director: David Reiner
Founding Member & CEO ofMSM Group
Director: Bayarbat Tseveensuren
General Manager of Crown Worldwide Group
LEADERSHIP
STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Director of Events: Munkhjargal Batsaikhan
Finance and Administrative Officer: Baasantsetseg Baatar
Program Coordinator: Binderiya Makhbal
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Interest income - 0.1%
USAID/ BPI Project - 17%
Event income - 8%
Sponsorship income - 12%
Membership income - 63%
63%
12%
8%
17%
0.1%
Income 2014
(January- December)
AmCham Mongolia is transparent on its finances and submits a monthly report to its board of directors to gather feedback on ways to improve financial performance throughout the year. To ensure the financial health of the organization, the goal is to diversify funding to reduce the amount of reliance on membership dues and to increase savings so that by 2018, AmCham has a year’s operating cost in reserves.
AmCham Mongolia had a successful financial year in 2015 despite the difficult economic environment in Mongolia. The organization’s income was more diversified than in previous years, meaning the directions from the board have been prioritized and accomplished.
FINANCES
Interest Income - 0.5%
USAID/ BPI Project - 12%
Event income - 25.6%
Sponsorship income - 14.22%
Membership income - 47.7%
47.7%
14.22 %
25.6%
12%0.5%
Income 2015
(January- December)
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Office Rent - 7.93%
Other Expenses - 2.45%
USAID/BPI Project Expenses - 2.25%
Office Supplies - 0.6%
Communication Expenses - 4.59%
Salary Expenses - 29.48%
Program Expenses - 52.74%
52.74%
29.48%
4.59%
0.6%
2.45%
2.25%7.93%
Expenses 2015
(January-December)
USAID/BPI Project Expenses - 23%
Office Supplies - 1%
Communication Expenses - 3.1%
Salary Expenses - 30%
Program Expenses - 42%
42%
30%
1%
3.1%
23%
Expenses 2014
(January-December)
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AmCham Mongolia’s members include both local and international companies who are leading organizations in their respective industries. In 2015, 85% of members renewed their membership and the number of new members grew by 55%, surpassing our membership goals for the year. AmCham Mongolia’s members are listed by categories below:
1. Anderson and Anderson LLP
2. APIP Limited
3. Bloomberg TV Mongolia
4. Capital Market
5. Cummins Mongolia
6. DLA Piper
7. G-Mobile
8. ING
9. MCS Holding
10. Naran Group
11. Newcom Group
12. Oriflame Mongolia
13. Outotec Mongolia
14. Petrojump
15. Petro Matad
16. Santis Educational Center
17. Sidley Austin LLP
18. XacBank
1. Ard Daatgal
2. Ayanchin Outfitters
3. Crown Worldwide Group
4. Ernst & Young
5. Deloitte
6. Gatsuurt LLC
7. General Electric
8. Genie Oil Shale Mongolia
9. Golomt Bank
10. GTs Advocates
11. Herbalife
12. Hogan Lovells
13. Hunnu Coal
14. MahoneyLiotta LLP
15. Microsoft
16. Minter Ellison
17. Monnis International
18. MSM Group
19. MT Group
20. Oracle
21. Oyu Tolgoi
22. Rich Resource LLC
23. Peabody Energy
24. Phillip Morris International
25. Shangri-La, Ulaanbaatar
26. Visa
27. Wagner Asia Equipment
28. Woodmont International
1. U.S. Embassy, Ulaanbaatar
2. N. Altankhuyag, Former Prime Minister
3. B. Batbayar, Former Minister of Finance
4. Ts. Gombosuren,
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs
5. D. Choitsamts, Abbot of
Gandantegchinlen Monastery
6. Ch. Khashchuluun, Executive Director
of the National Council for Private
Sector Support
7. D. Tsogtbaatar,
Former Minister of Environment
8. Donald Rumsfeld, Former Secretary of
Defense of the United States
9. Canadian Embassy, Ulaanbaatar
10. Australian Consulate-General
11. British Embassy, Ulaanbaatar
MEMBERSHIP
New Members: Membership Renewals: Honorary Members:
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MEMBERSHIP
MembershipGrowthSince2014
2014 (Q1) 2014 (Q1) 2014 (Q1) 2014 (Q1) 2015 (Q1) 2015 (Q1) 2015 (Q1) 2015 (Q1)
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Membership
Growth
Num
ber
of M
em
bers
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AmCham Mongolia hosted a series of meetings each month throughout 2015 to give members an opportunity to engage with Mongolia’s most influential decision makers and business leaders. In efforts to strengthen the cooperation between the public and private sectors of Mongolia, AmCham invited the following guests to be keynote speakers at Monthly Meetings in 2015:
• D. Tsogtbaatar, Former Minister of Construction and Urban Development – January 2015• His Excellency Ch. Saikhanbileg, Prime Minister of Mongolia – March 2015• Kurt Tong, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of State’s Bureau of
Economic and Business Affairs – May 2015• E. Bat-Uul, Governor of the City Ulaanbaatar and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar – July 2015• D. Tsogtbaatar, the Former Minister of Construction and Urban Development; N. Enkhbold,
Member of Parliament; Yo. Otgonbayar, Member of Parliament – August 2015• His Excellency Z. Enkhbold, The Chairman of the State Great Hural (Parliament) – September
2015
• N. Battsereg, Minister of Environment, Green Development and Tourism; Z. Bayanselenge, Minister of Construction and Urban Development – October 2015
• Ch. Otgonbayar, Director of the Macroeconomic Policy Division, Ministry of Finance; D. Erdene-Ochir, Senior Officer of the Trade Policy Coordination Department, Ministry of Industry – November 2015
Monthly Meeting with Prime Minister Ch. Saikhanbileg, March 2015Pictured from left to right: The Honorable Piper Anne Wind Campbell, U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia; His Excellency Ch. Saikhanbileg, Prime Minister of Mongolia; Jackson Cox, AmCham Chairman and CEO of Woodmont International
MONTHLY MEETINGS:
EVENTS
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Annual General Meeting, December 2015
Pictured from left to right: Steve Potter, AmCham Board Member and Executive Director of Wagner Asia Group; David Reiner, AmCham Board Member and Founding Member and Chief Executive Director of MSM Group; Michael Jonas, AmCham Board Member and Director and Executive Vice President of Genie Oil Shale Mongolia
Monthly Meeting with Prime Minister Ch. Saikhanbileg, March 2015Pictured: D. Onchinsuren, AmCham Board Member and Country Managing Director of Deloitte Onch
Monthly Meeting with Kurt Tong, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the
Department of State’s Bureau of Economic
and Business Affairs, May 2015Pictured: Ts.Tumentsogt, Chief Representative, GE
EVENTS
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Monthly Meeting with His Excellency Z. Enkhbold, Chairman of the State Great Hural of Mongolia, September 2015
Pictured from left to right: Kirk McBride, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy, Ulaanbaatar; Jay Liotta, AmCham Board Member and Letterhead Partner of MahoneyLiotta LLP; His Excellency Z. Enkhbold, Chairman of the State Great Hural of Mongolia; G. Magnai, AmCham Vice Chairman and Executive Director of G-Mobile; Tricia Turbold, Executive Director, AmCham Mongolia
Monthly Meeting with D.Tsogtbaatar, the Former Minister of Urban Development and Construction; N.Enkhbold, Member of Parliament; Yo.Otgonbayar, Member of Parliament, August 2015Pictured from left to right: Jay Liotta, AmCham Board Member and Letterhead Partner of MahoneyLiotta LLP; Ts. Bayarbat, AmCham Board Member and General Manager of Crown Worldwide Group Mongolia
Monthly Meeting with the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Industry, November 2015Pictured from left to right: Sh. Nurmaa, Chief Operating Officer, MSM Group; D. Orgilmaa, General Director, Santis Educational Services
EVENTS
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Monthly Meeting with E. Bat-Uul, Governor of the City Ulaanbaatar and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar, July 2015
EVENTS
Monthly Meeting with the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Industry, November 2015Pictured: B. Bayarbat, Business Development Manager, Microsoft
Monthly Meeting with Ch. Otgonbayar, Director of the Macroeconomic Policy Division, Ministry of Finance; D. Erdene-Ochir, Senior Officer of the Trade Policy Coordination Department, Ministry of Industry, November 2015Pictured: T. Gansuld, Country Director, Outotec
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AmCham Mongolia successfully launched its Monthly Networking Nights in April of 2015. AmCham’s networking events were well attended and convened leaders of the private sector and provided AmCham members the opportunity to promote their businesses. AmCham held the following Networking Nights in 2015:
• April Networking Night at the Wine Cellar • July Networking Night at Veranda • August Networking Night at the Wine Cellar • September Networking Night at the Regency Residence Penthouse, Sponsored by APIP
and MSM Group
• October Networking Night at iBistro sponsored by ARD Holdings• November Networking Night to welcome Honorable Jennifer Zimdahl Galt, U.S.
Ambassador to Mongolia, at the Wagner Asia Automotive Showroom sponsored by Wagner Asia Automotive and MSM Group
September Networking Event at the Regency Residence Penthouse
AmCham Networking Event at Veranda Restaurant, July 2015
NETWORKING EVENTS:
EVENTS
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AmCham Mongolia was an official partner with the following conferences in 2015:
• Mongolian Television Forum 2015 – An important forum that brought various international stakeholders from the entertainment industry to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to discuss important topics such as IPR protection. Studios such as Warner Bros, Walt Disney, Sony, and ITV participated and offered Mongolian TVs access to new global content.
• Coal Mongolia 2015 – This international conference and exhibition serves as an opportunity
to bring international investors to Mongolia’s coal sector, exhibit leading technologies, and increase Mongolia’s competitiveness in the region.
• Discover Mongolia Conference – The conference took place for the 13th time in Ulaanbaatar under the theme "For Mining without Populism.” This conference is a leading forum for mining and exploration and convenes leaders of the private sector, government agencies, and civic societies.
• Invest Mongolia 2015 – Frontier’s 9th Annual Invest Mongolia Conference brought together key government representatives, leaders of the private sector, and potential investors to discuss Mongolia’s political and economic developments.
• Oyu Tolgoi Underground Development Supplier Forum – The forum served to share information on Oyu Tolgoi’s underground development project, identify potential bidders for work categories, and, to facilitate opportunities for international and Mongolian businesses to collaborate and build capacity within Mongolia.
CONFERENCES
EVENTS
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TO “AmCham Mongolia’s mission is to build, strengthen, and protect business between the United States and Mongolia and to actively promote Mongolia as a destination for American investment.” To advance its mission, AmCham Mongolia was honored to host the following U.S. government officials to provide opportunities for its members to engage with high-level U.S. government officials in 2015:
• Luncheon with Mr. Amos J. Hochstein, the Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs of the U.S. Department of State
• Reception in honor of Mr. Donald H. Rumsfeld, former Secretary of Defense of the United States of America
• Meeting with Ms. Courtenay Engelke, Senior Director, Department of Compact Operations Finance, Investment & Trade of the Millennium Challenge Corporation
• Meeting with Mr. Kurt Tong, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of State’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs
• Welcome Reception for The Honorable Jennifer Zimdahl Galt, U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia
MEETINGS WITH HIGH-LEVEL U.S GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
EVENTS
Welcome Reception for The Honorable Jennifer Zimdahl Galt, U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia, November 2015
Pictured: The Honorable Jennifer Zimdahl Galt, U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia
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Reception in honor of Mr. Donald Rumsfeld, Former Secretary of Defense of the United States, June 2015
Pictured from left to right: Donald Rumsfeld, Former Secretary of Defense of the United States and Honorary AmCham Member; J. Khishigjargal, Director of the Investment Banking Division, Golomt Bank
Monthly Meeting with Mr. Kurt Tong, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of State’s Bureau of Economic
and Business Affairs, May 2015Pictured from left to right: Kurt Tong, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Department of State’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs; E. Lkhagva, Executive Producer, MongolTV
Luncheon with Mr. Amos J. Hochstein, Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs from the U.S. Department of State
Pictured: Amos J. Hochstein, Special Envoy and Coordinator for International Energy Affairs, U.S. Department of State
EVENTS
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AmCham’s signature events provide expanded opportunities for our members to promote and
advance their interests and provide additional revenue for the organization. Signature events convene leaders of the private and public sectors, provide members premier exposure, and highlight AmCham’s capacity as the leading business organization in Mongolia. AmCham organized the following signature events in 2015:
AmCham organized a Trade Mission to the U.S. on June 16-26, 2015. The Trade Mission consisted of three components including a trip to San Francisco, CA, New York City, NY, and Washington, DC. Fourteen delegates representing various U.S. and Mongolian companies participated; which is double the number of participants from last year.
The Trade Mission allowed Mongolian companies to gain access to, and to deepen the business relationship with American companies and allowed for participation in an important dialogue with key decision-makers in Washington D.C.
The U.S. Trade Mission concluded in Washington, D.C. with a dinner honoring His Excellency Chimed Saikhanbileg, Prime Minister of Mongolia. The dinner was co-hosted by AmCham and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Three hundred leaders of American businesses and government officials attended the dinner, which was held in the Hall of Flags at the U.S. Chamber.
SIGNATURE EVENTS
U.S. TRADE MISSION
EVENTS
Trade Mission to the United States, June 2015Pictured from left to right: D. Orgilmaa, General Director of Santis Educational Services; Tricia Turbold, Executive Director, AmCham Mongolia; Jay Liotta, AmCham Board Member and Letterhead Partner of MahoneyLiotta LLP; Jackson Cox, AmCham Mongolia Chairman and CEO of Woodmont International
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Trade Mission to the United States, June 2015Pictured from left to right: D. Bilguun, Advisor, Capital Market LLC; E. Uuriintsolmon, CEO, Capital Market LLC; Jianlin Si, Export Sales Director, Tyson Foods Inc.; Jay Liotta, AmCham Board Member and Letterhead Partner of MahoneyLiotta LLP; E. Ganbold, General Director, Capital Market LLC; Ts.Tumentsogt, Chief Representative, GE; His Excellency Ch. Saikhanbileg, Prime Minister of Mongolia; Jackson Cox, AmCham Chairman and CEO of Woodmont International; E. Tulga Deputy Director, Capital Market LLC; D. Orgilmaa, General Director, Santis Educational Services; Tricia Turbold, Executive Director, AmCham Mongolia; Arshad Sayed, President of India and Mongolia, Peabody Energy; E. Khongorzul, Advisor, Stakeholder Engagement, Oyu Tolgoi
APCAC Doorknock Trip to Washington, D.C., June 2015Pictured from left to right: The Honorable Piper Anne Wind Campbell, U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia; Daniel R. Russel, Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S. Department of State; Tami Overby, Senior Vice President for Asia, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
EVENTS
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The U.S. Embassy and AmCham Mongolia co-hosted the second annual American Days Expo. This two-day exhibition effectively showcased U.S. products and services to the public and built awareness of the capacity of companies in Mongolia that are offering leading expertise and technology. The expo featured eighty exhibitors and thousands of visitors participated.
This year, the Deputy Mayor of Ulaanbaatar City E. Enkhtsengel, President of MNCCI B. Lkhagvajav, Chairman of AmCham Mongolia Jackson Cox, Deputy Director of Invest Mongolia Agency D. Irmuun, Economic and Commercial Chief of the U.S. Embassy John McDaniel, CEO of Oyu Tolgoi Andrew Woodley, and the Director of Mongolia’s Customs General O. Ganbat participated in the opening ceremony.
AMERICAN DAYS EXPO
SPONSORED BY:
PREMIER CORPORATE SPONSORS:
PROGRAM SPONSOR:
IN COOPERATION WITH:
MEDIA SPONSORS:
EVENTS
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EVENTS
American Days Expo, September 2015Pictured from left to right: D. Irmuun, Head of Promotion and Consultancy Division, Invest Mongolia Agency; Andrew Woodley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Oyu Tolgoi; John B. McDaniel, Chief of Economic Commercial Section, U.S. Embassy, Ulaanbaatar; Jackson Cox, AmCham Chairman and CEO of Woodmont International; Ts. Enkhtsengel, Deputy Governor for Social Development Policy, Ulaanbaatar Mayor's Office; D. Bekhbat, Deputy Chairman of the General Customs Office; B. Lkhagvajav, Chairman and President, Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry
American Days Expo, September 2015Pictured: Jackson Cox, AmCham Chairman and CEO of Woodmont International
American Days Expo, September 2015
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On June 4th, 2015 AmCham Mongolia held its Fourth Anniversary Celebration with all of its members and stakeholders at the newly opened Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar. The festive event had over 200 guests who represented AmCham members, honorary members, key government officials, and leaders from the business community in Mongolia.
The Chairman and Founder of AmCham Mongolia Jackson Cox, the Ambassador of the United States to Mongolia Piper Anne Wind Campbell, and the Vice Chairman of AmCham Mongolia G. Magnai delivered keynote remarks. Additionally, AmCham Mongolia awarded the President of MCS Group, J. Od with the AmCham Business Leadership Award.
AMCHAM FOURTH ANNIVERSARY
EVENTS
SPONSORED BY:
FOUNDING SPONSOR:
PREMIER CORPORATE SPONSORS:
PROGRAM SPONSORS:
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EVENTS
Fourth Anniversary Celebration, June 2015Pictured: The Honorable Piper Anne Wind Campbell, U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia
Fourth Anniversary Celebration, June 2015Pictured from left to right: G. Magnai, AmCham Vice Chairman and Executive Director of G-Mobile; J. Od, President, MCS Group; Jackson Cox, AmCham Chairman and CEO of Woodmont International
Fourth Anniversary Celebration, June 2015Pictured: Khusugtun Ethnic Band, finalists of Asia’s Got Talent, performing at the Fourth Anniversary Celebration
Fourth Anniversary Celebration, June 2015Pictured: Guests from Ayanchin Outfitters, Premier Corporate Sponsor of the Fourth Anniversary Celebration
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On December 16th, 2015, AmCham organized its first annual AmCham Holiday Party at the newly renovated X-Club. Over 300 members and stakeholders attended to celebrate another successful year for AmCham and the holiday season. The event featured entertainment by some of Mongolia’s most recognizable and talented entertainers including Khusugtun, Camerton, Uka from Kiwi, and more.
The event was made possible due to the generous support of our Premier Sponsor G-Mobile, our Gold Sponsor ARD Holdings and our Corporate Sponsors Herbalife, Oriflame, MahoneyLiotta, MSM, Wagner Asia and XacBank.
AMCHAM 2015 HOLIDAY PARTY
EVENTS
SPONSORED BY:
PREMIER CORPORATE SPONSOR:
GOLD SPONSOR:
CORPORATE SPONSORS:
ТЭНЦВЭРЖҮҮЛСЭНШИМ ТЭЖЭЭЛ
ТЭНЦВЭРЖҮҮЛСЭНШИМ ТЭЖЭЭЛ
ТЭНЦВЭРЖҮҮЛСЭНШИМ ТЭЖЭЭЛ
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EVENTS
AmCham 2015 Holiday Party, December 2015Pictured: G. Magnai, AmCham Vice Chairman and Executive Director of G-Mobile, PremierCorporate Sponsor of AmCham’s 2015 Holiday PartyHoliday Party
AmCham 2015 Holiday Party, December 2015
Pictured: Ch. Ganhuyag, CEO, Ard Financial Group and Gold Sponsor of AmCham’s 2015 Holiday Party
AmCham 2015 Holiday Party, December 2015
Pictured: G. Denzen, Business Development Manager, Herbalife Mongolia and Corporate Sponsor of AmCham’s 2015 Holiday Party
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APCAC Spring Summit, March 2015Pictured from left to right: Judith Fergin, Executive Director, AmCham Singapore; Elizabeth Hernandez, Head of Public Policy APAC, Facebook; The Honorable Kirk Wagar, U.S. Ambassador to Singapore; Lim Hng Kiang, Singapore Minister for Trade and Industry; Jeffrey Hardee, Director for Government and Corporate Affairs, Asia-Pacific and Singapore Country Head, Caterpillar; George M. Drysdale, Chairman and CEO, Marsman Drysdale Group
APCAC SPRING SUMMIT
ASIA PACIFIC COUNCIL OF AMERICAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE (APCAC)
The Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore hosted the 2015 APCAC Business Summit. The theme, “The United States and Asia – New Opportunities in the Pacific Century,” builds on previous summits’ themes about Asia’s growth and global influence. Held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre March 11-13, 2015, the conference offered a valuable opportunity to gather with peers and government officials and experience Singapore during its 50th anniversary celebration. Chairman Jackson Cox and AmCham’s Director of Events and Development, Nomin Tsedensodnom represented AmCham at the Summit.
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ASIA PACIFIC COUNCIL OF AMERICAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE (APCAC)
APCAC Doorknock Trip to Washington, D.C., June 2015Pictured from left to right: Ebb Hinchliffe, Executive Director, AmCham Philippines; Jackson Cox, Chairman of AmCham Mongolia and CEO of Woodmont International; Judith Fergin, Executive Director, AmCham Singapore; Ts.Tumentsogt, Chief Representative of GE; Penny Burtt, Vice President of Government Affairs Asia Pacific, Visa Worldwide; D. Orgilmaa, General Director, Santis Educational Services; Jay Liotta, Board Member of AmCham and Letterhead Partner of MahoneyLiotta LLP; Lam Quynh Nghiem, American Indochina Management; Allan Smith, Reinsurance Group of America; Richard McGonegal, RCG Global Services
Every summer, APCAC sends a delegation to Washington, D.C. to discuss key policy issues affecting American businesses in Asia. As an active member of APCAC, an AmCham Mongolia delegation participated in the annual APCAC Washington Doorknock Trip.
The APCAC Doorknock trip gives American Chamber representatives from across the Asia-Pacific region a chance to reinforce their connections in Washington and share regional knowledge. As part of the APCAC group, our delegates actively participated in meetings with key decision-makers on commercial issues concerning the Asia-Pacific region and to encourage U.S. decision-makers to leverage the growth of the Asia-Pacific region for creating U.S. jobs.
APCAC DOORKNOCK TRIP
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APCAC Executive Directors Retreat, October 2015Pictured from left to right: Ebb Hinchliffe, Executive Director, AmCham Philippines; Richard Vuylsteke, President, AmCham Hong Kong; Judy Benn, Executive Director, AmCham Thailand; Judith Fergin, Executive Director, AmCham Singapore; Niels Marquardt, National Director, AmCham Australia; Laura Younger, Executive Director, AmCham Japan; Adam Sitkoff, Executive Director, AmCham Vietnam (Hanoi); Tricia Turbold, Executive Director, AmCham Mongolia; Radika Obeyesekere, Executive Director, AmCham Sri Lanka
APCAC EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS RETREAT
ASIA PACIFIC COUNCIL OF AMERICAN CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE (APCAC)
"Executive Directors of American Chambers of Commerce throughout Asia Pacific meet once a year to discuss strategies, share experiences and talk about common initiatives." APCAC Executive Directors Retreat gets the Executive Directors to focus on chamber operations
and programs. Meetings include policy issue sessions for the Executive Director and a larger gathering of APCAC members. In 2015, AmCham Sri Lanka hosted the APCAC Executive Directors Retreat in Colombo.
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ADVOCACY
Public-Private Dialogue: Intellectual Property Rights and Enforcement, April 2015Pictured from left to right: B. Lkhagvajav, Chairman and President, Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry; N. Chinbat, Director General, Intellectual Property Office of Mongolia; L. Sayanaa, Vice President, JCI; Jackson Cox, AmCham Chairman and CEO of Woodmont International
AmCham Committees are effective advocacy mechanisms and in 2015, AmCham successfully managed its IPR Committee. In addition, AmCham formed a Draft Labor Law (DLL) Task Force.
In 2015, the IPR Committee held a series of meetings and organized a large Public-Private Dialogue to identify bottlenecks in IPR enforcement in Mongolia and ways to address them. Specific recommendations have been developed to present to the Intellectual Property Office of Mongolia, the government agency responsible for enforcing IPR.
Throughout 2015, the DLL Task Force focused on the draft Labor Law through extensive consultations and convened a Public-Private Dialogue to develop AmCham’s position and comments on the draft legislation. Advocacy and engagement efforts focused on enabling inclusive and participatory development of the law. In December of 2015, the DLL was rejected by Parliament and was returned to the Cabinet for further assessment. The conclusion was made by Parliament that the DLL required revisions that allow the incorporation of principal comments from stakeholders, including those from the private sector.
COMMITTEES
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ROADMAP FOR GROWTH 2015
PUBLIC-PRIVATE DIALOGUE: NATIONWIDE SURVEY RESULTS ON MONGOLIAN
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
PUBLIC-PRIVATE DIALOGUE: DRAFTING THE NEW PROCEDURES OF THE LEGAL
ENTITY REGISTRATION PROCESS
PUBLIC-PRIVATE DIALOGUES
ADVOCACY
AmCham outlined strategic priorities for policy and advocacy through the development of the 2015 Roadmap for Growth policy document. In 2015, the strategic document has been presented to key decision-makers including the Speaker of the Parliament and the Prime Minister of Mongolia.
AmCham’s first PPD on January 20, 2015 focused on the results of the Nationwide Survey on the Mongolian Business Environment. This PPD brought together around 100 participants from the private and public sectors to engage in roundtable discussions on the current business environment and identify opportunities to improve public and private partnerships.
The second PPD organized by AmCham Mongolia on February 24, 2015 was in cooperation with BPI, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), and the General Authority for the State Registration (GASR) and was aimed at developing suggestions for the drafting of new procedures by the Legal Entity Registration Office (LERO). As the procedures and the law were to put in effect as of March 1st, 2015, AmCham, together with BPI, compiled the feedback and recommendations from the PPD and submitted the final document to the LERO working committee. Ultimately most of these recommendations have been incorporated in the final approved registration procedures.
In 2015 AmCham organized a series of public-private dialogues (PPDs) on pertinent issues with the participation of its members, business sector representatives, and leaders of the public sector in Mongolia with sponsorship from the USAID-funded Business Plus Initiative (BPI).
PPDs help improve the business environment and constitute a crucial tool to address legal and regulatory issues impeding private sector development and convene government agencies and the private sector to work as partners in fostering economic growth.
SPONSORED BY:
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PUBLIC-PRIVATE DIALOGUE: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND
ENFORCEMENT
PUBLIC-PRIVATE DIALOGUE: REVIEWING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE
DRAFT LABOR LAW
ADVOCACY
The third (PPD) titled “Improving the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights,” was in cooperation with BPI, the Intellectual Property Office of Mongolia (IPOM), the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Mr. U. Khurelsukh, on the occasion of World Intellectual Property Day on April 23rd, 2015. The primary purpose of bringing together relevant public sector officials and private sector representatives was to build a collaborative understanding between the two sectors regarding issues related to the proper enforcement of IPR.
AmCham’s fourth PPD was organized on June 12, 2015 and focused on the revised draft Labor Law. While 45 participants from the private sector were there to contribute their input, this PPD also featured key stakeholders from the public sector, including, the working committee members of the Ministry of Labor and the Parliament Standing Committee on Social Policy, Education, Culture and Science. In December of 2015, the Parliament rejected the proposed DLL and returned it to the Cabinet for further review. The Parliament’s message was that the DLL required revisions to allow for the incorporation of principal comments from stakeholders, including those from the private sector.
PPD: Draft Labor LawPictured from left to right: Ts.Tumentsogt, Chief Representative, GE; S. Nadiya, Principal Advisor, Employee Relations and Strategy, Oyu Tolgoi LLC
PPD: Draft Labor LawPictured: Jay Liotta, AmCham Board Member and Letterhead Partner of MahoneyLiotta LLP
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Microsoft Appreciation Ceremony, June 2015Pictured from left to right: B. Batbayar, Business Development Manager, Microsoft; D. Khurelbaatar, Deputy CEO of TDB; B. Enkhtuya, Chief Operating Officer, Golomt Bank; M. Bold, CEO, XacBank; B. Medree, President, TDB; L.Soronzonbold, Head of IT Division, TDB; Ch. Battugs, Head of IT Division, Xac Bank; B. Erdenebayar, Head of IT Division, Golomt Bank
MICROSOFT APPRECIATION CEREMONY
DAILY NEWSWIRE LAUNCH
WEEKLY POLICY NOTE LAUNCH
ADVOCACY
AmCham organized an Appreciation Ceremony on June 30, 2015 in support of its member company Microsoft and to commemorate the IPR best practices of the leading Mongolian commercial banks: Golomt Bank, XacBank, and Trade and Development Bank.
AmCham Mongolia successfully launched its Daily Newswire in June 2015. The Daily Newswire provides a summary of relevant news updates from the most circulated newspapers in Mongolia including Government News: The Official Gazette, Today, Daily News, The National Post and The Century News. The purpose of the newswire is to deliver relevant and up-to date information on current political and business news in Mongolia to our AmCham members and friends.
On September 25, 2015 AmCham initiated a Weekly Policy Note as a service to provide members a brief but in-depth analytical summary of the current political, economic and legal developments. It reviews upcoming legal reforms and emerging developments that may impact the business of AmCham members.
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TESTIMONIALS
Her Excellency, Ambassador Jennifer Zimdahl Galt, U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia,
“AmCham and I go back a long way; I’ve worked with AmChams throughout my career. I had a good meeting with the U.S. Chamber before coming to UB. They
were full of praise for the outstanding job AmCham has done to stand up an organization dedicated to promoting U.S. commercial interests and values in Mongolia. I had the pleasure of discussing these interests and values with Chairman Jackson Cox on his last day in Mongolia. I found myself agreeing with many of
Mr. Steve Potter, Managing Director, Wagner Asia Equipment LLC
"AmCham Mongolia provides an effective conduit between Wagner Asia and other
U.S. companies operating in Mongolia, the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, various U.S. Government affiliates, and the Government of Mongolia. Our membership with AmCham has provided an effective mouthpiece for
issues that, as a single private foreign investor, we cannot or may not wish to voice ourselves. Monthly Meetings are a useful forum for support, AmCham supported conferences and exhibitions are a cost-
effective way to promote our products
and services, and AmCham White Papers provide a roadmap for achieving business
goals that will help U.S. companies develop business in Mongolia."
Jackson’s observations, among them that Mongolia and AmCham are in transition. Mongolia is still coming to terms with the implications of a free market economy, and AmCham is moving from being a new organization to a mature one. And AmCham Mongolia is also growing and changing. The AmCham Mongolia of 2015 has the responsibility, consistent with its growing capacities, to support its members’ shared interests in more sophisticated ways. My team and I stand ready to work with AmCham as it embraces its evolving role as Mongolia’s leading advocate for free enterprise.”
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OUR MEMBERS IN 2015
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www.amcham.mn