IT Landscape of Mongolia - National ICT Policies

ICT policies are extremely important for developing countries like Mongolia. ”ICT can be a powerful enabler of development goals because its unique characteristics dramatically improve communication and the exchange of information to strengthen and create new economic and social networks. ICT can contribute to income generation and poverty reduction. It enables people and enterprises to capture economic opportunities by increasing process efficiency, promoting participation in expanded economic networks, and creating opportunities for employment.” ¹

As evidence that Mongolia is fully aware of the importance of Information Communications Technology (ICT), the mission of the ICT Development concept of Mongolia has been adopted by the Government in 1996. The key strategic goal with respect to the Information Technology (IT) development has been defined as "introduction of world wide and nation wide IT into production, services and public life, organization of new software and IT industry, and establishment of scientific and technological information network".²

The Ministry of Enlightenment which is the policy making and coordinating government authority in the field of education, science, technology and culture, and responsible for library and information service's development policy has been set up following the political election of 1996.

In December of 1997, the Government of Mongolia has established a Working group (GWG) on coordination of the development of the national information technology. GWG consists of 18 representatives of the telecom and network operators, experts of the research institutes, relevant ministries and government agencies. GWG focuses on development of the efficient and fair competition or regulatory environment to be adopted by the government.

In January of 1999, the Ministry of Enlightenment has formed an Advisory committee on improvement of Education information network. The committee consists of 14 representatives from Technical University, higher education institutes, and Center for Scientific and Technological Information (CSTI).

As a result of the Mongolian ICT Summit in June of 1999, "Mongolian ICT Vision 2010" has been approved by the Summit and endorsed by the government. The vision consists of Mongolia's mission, principles and objectives.

The Government of Mongolia is sensitively feeling the great implication of information technology's advanced achievement on social and economic development and gives high priority to it. The new generation of Mongolia has a potential to produce computer software programs if we restructure the education system adjusting to the present trend of information technology.

The modern way of information dissemination (inter-network) is not new thing for Mongolians, even in the period Chinggis khaan of the success of his great victories was based on it. Mongolian people are generally well educated, and have many talents in technical fields. The digital infrastructure is in place and growing and there has already been experience with the implementation of ICT in a variety of fields. Mongolia has a large, young, eager and well-qualified workforce. Mongolia has a democratic and stable government, and information is open and accessible to everyone.

Policies and Legislation¹⁶

In May 1996 Parliament of Mongolia has adopted the Concept of Development of Mongolia in which the key strategy of national development in the nearest 15-25 years. Communications and Information technology development related laws are as Law on status of Mongolian Academy of Science, Law on Patent, Law on Copyright, Law on technology Transfer and Law on Telecommunications.

In February 2000, Parliament of Mongolia has adopted the "Concept on Information and Communications Technology Development of Mongolia up to 2010 years". A principle to ensure accessible and flexible infostructure promoting dynamic and sustainable development in an open and fair society shall be pursued to achieve the mission. The government, the private sector and the public, indeed all sectors of society and of the economy, needs to harness the potential of the information and knowledge revolution to improve the health, wealth and well being of everyone.

The National Seminar on "Development of Mongolia-information and Communication Technology," held on Feb. 7, 2001, is an evidence of that Mongolian Government has been furthering its strategic policies to support ICT development initiatives and implement corresponding. As result of this event, the National Committee for ICT, headed by Prime Minister, is established and approved by Government.

All of these factors give Mongolia the potential to attract ICT-related business from overseas.

ICT Development¹⁸

ICT National Summit was held in 1999 and created an ICT work group headed by the prime minister.

In 2000 Parliament adopted the “National Vision for ICT development of Mongolia up to 2010” and established the ICT Expert Council (MIDAS).

The National seminar in February 2001 established the National Committee of ICT, headed by the prime minister of Mongolia. ICT recognized it as one of the priority sectors.

Currently, the Law of Mongolia on Telecommunications is adopted and the draft law on legal rights of regulating public administration information, law on Information, and information security and the law on postal communication are being prepared.

In 2002, the Foreign Investment forum in Mongolia organized the ICT sector meeting in Ulaanbaatar.

In May of 2002, the National ICT Park was established according to the government decision. Starting from 2003, the Authority for ICT policy and regulation has been established and functioning under the Ministry of Infrastructure.

According to the Law on Mongolian Government, the Ministry of Infrastructure is in charge of ICT policy and regulations, and MOSTEC is responsible in managing ICT policy and regulations for Education, Culture and Science organizations.