A World Bank mission of the “Smart Government-2” project, implemented by the Ministry of Digital Development Innovation and Communications (MDDIC) was carried out from November 17 to 20 in Ulaanbaatar. During the visit, the mission team held meetings with relevant representatives of the MDDIC and key beneficiaries to assess the project’s implementation progress and discussed further plans.

As part of the mission, the delegation led by Mr. Taehyun Lee, World Bank Country Manager for Mongolia, Mr. James Neumann, Practice Manager for Digital Development for East Asia and Pacific and Mr. Siow Chew Kuek, Task Team Leader and Senior Digital Specialist, was officially received by Mr. E. Batshugar, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Cooperation of Mongolia, Mr. Ch. Zolbayar, Acting State Secretary and Chair of the Project Steering Committee, Mr. D. Batbayar, Acting Director of the Digital Transformation Policy Coordination Department and Project Director, and Ms. B. Enkhdulguun, Project Coordinator, along with relevant officials.

During the meeting, the parties highlighted the project`s contribution to supporting the policy of the Government of Mongolia, and priorities in digital development. The World Bank`s delegation emphasized its potential to support and invest in priority areas outlined in the policy of the Government of Mongolia including artificial intelligence development, digital economy expansion, adoption of emerging technologies, improvement of rural telecommunications networks, and enhancement of public–private partnerships.

The World Bank mission team also held consultations with the Cabinet Secretariat of the Government of Mongolia, the Ministry of Finance and the Independent Authority Against Corruption, as well as with relevant experts and consultants. The discussions focused on the progress of ongoing sub-projects, budget utilization, and discussed further potential activities.

Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Cooperation of Mongolia (MDDIC): Exploring opportunities to implement new project for the Rural digital connectivity pilot and reviewing progress on ongoing activities.

Cabinet Secretariat (CS): Supporting the upgrade of essential equipment for Digital Transformation, the supply AI model server for the use of Government activities etc.

Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC): Advancing system improvements to the Conflict of Interest, Income and Asset Declaration.

Ministry of Finance (MoF): Enhancement of the State eProcurement system, to upgrade AI-enabled eProcurement System and improving relevant laws and regulations.