Source: The Wall Street Journal                      Date: 16 June, 2011

Prime Minister S. Batbold hopes to make progress on several "serious projects" under discussion with China during meetings with leaders in Beijing. "On this trip, it's our intention to move forward with particular projects, especially in mining and infrastructure," he said in Hong Kong, from where he was later to go to the mainland. While not saying exactly what deals he hoped to reach, Mr. Batbold referred to a "major mining project" and China's demand for energy.

Mr. Batbold said Hong Kong remains a candidate to host a much-anticipated listing of the state-owned Tavan Tolgoi assets, but that the government was still working with its financial advisers on the plan. He said a dual listing in Hong Kong and London was also a possibility.

While in Hong Kong, Mr. Batbold presided over the opening of Mongolia's first Hong Kong consulate and met with the territory's chief executive, Mr. Donald Tsang. Mr. Batbold warned that "if there is a slowdown in China, it will definitely have its impact on Mongolia", given the country's dependence on Chinese demand for its resources.

He also said that demand for gold should remain strong at a time when the global economy was looking shaky. "We don't think the [sense of] crisis is over. Confidence is not completely there," Mr. Batbold said, adding "to some extent, we believe gold will remain a very important asset."