Jetro & TDB

JETRO to open Mongolia office, creating new channel for trade and investment

ULAANBAATAR / TOKYO — Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) will open a representative office in Mongolia, it was officially announced during Prime Minister Nyam-Osor Uchral’s official visit to Japan. The move is expected to create a direct channel for trade, investment and business cooperation between Mongolia and Japan, making it easier for Japanese companies to enter the Mongolian market and opening more opportunities for Mongolian businesses to export to Japan.

Significance of the visit

Prime Minister N. Uchral made an official working visit to Japan from September 27-30, 2026, at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. It was his first bilateral foreign visit since taking office. The central event of the trip, a high-level Mongolia-Japan meeting, was held in Tokyo on September 29. According to the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting lasted approximately 35 minutes, followed by a 60-minute working dinner.

In its statement, the Japanese side reaffirmed that Mongolia is one of Japan’s “most important third neighbors” and said it would continue supporting Mongolia’s “freedom to make its own choices” and resilience. The two countries agreed to deepen cooperation under their “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity,” including in emerging areas such as security and artificial intelligence.

Request to establish a JETRO office

During the high-level meeting, Prime Minister N. Uchral requested that JETRO establish a representative office in Mongolia. Prime Minister Takaichi expressed Japan’s support for the process of setting up the organization and pledged cooperation from the Japanese side.

On September 30, Prime Minister N. Uchral met with Norihiko Ishiguro, chairman and CEO of JETRO. The two sides exchanged views on expanding Mongolia-Japan trade, economic, business and investment ties, as well as increasing the benefits of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which entered into force in 2016.

“The Mongolian Government is placing particular emphasis on supporting the private sector, improving the business and investment environment, reducing permit and licensing procedures, and creating a stable and competitive environment that protects investors’ rights and legitimate interests,” Prime Minister N. Uchral said during the meeting.

He also stressed the need to increase the variety and volume of goods exported from Mongolia to Japan, saying that Mongolia was ready to work with JETRO to implement the EPA effectively and maximize its benefits.

What is JETRO?

JETRO is a government organization that promotes trade with foreign countries. It was established in 1958 under Japan’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry, known at the time as MITI. The organization has 76 offices and more than 1,980 employees in 56 countries worldwide. Its activities include:

  • Promoting Japanese products in foreign markets,
  • Researching imported goods needed by Japanese consumers,
  • Organizing trade fairs and competitions,
  • Coordinating business delegations,
  • Sending experts to partner countries to identify exportable products, transfer manufacturing and sales know-how and innovation, and provide marketing advice.

Once the representative office opens in Mongolia, Japanese companies will have direct access to information about the Mongolian market, potential business partners, and trade and investment opportunities. Mongolian companies will likewise gain greater opportunities to enter the Japanese market and establish partnerships.

Tax treaty and business environment

The two leaders agreed to use the scheduled November 2026 meeting of the Mongolia-Japan Joint Committee of Government and Business Representatives to advance the following issues:

  • Supporting Prime Minister N. Uchral’s initiative to improve the business environment,
  • Launching negotiations on a bilateral tax treaty,
  • Holding preliminary consultations on a future social security agreement.

This would be an important step toward clarifying double-taxation and social insurance issues and reducing risks for Japanese companies investing or planning to invest in Mongolia.

Airport, energy and infrastructure

The two leaders welcomed the exchange of the Japanese yen loan “Exchange of Notes (E/N)” documents for the expansion of Chinggis Khaan International Airport and highlighted the involvement of Japanese companies in the airport’s operations. They noted that improving air connectivity and the airport would be important in supporting trade and business between Japanese companies and Mongolia.

They also agreed to cooperate actively under POWERR Asia in the areas of oil reserves and renewable energy. According to Japan’s NHK television, the initiative is linked to Mongolia’s dependence on Russia for oil and petroleum products and is intended to strengthen energy security.

International and regional cooperation

During the meeting, the two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in international forums, including the United Nations, and support peace and stability in the region. Prime Minister Takaichi expressed support for Mongolia’s candidacy for membership of the UN Security Council in 2047 and thanked Mongolia for its understanding and support regarding the issue of Japanese citizens abducted. The two countries will review progress in their cooperation in 2027, marking the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, with particular attention to economic ties. Prime Minister Takaichi also announced that long-term deployments under the “NIHONGO Partners” program would begin this year, and Prime Minister N. Uchral expressed his appreciation.

Expanding trade and investment ties

Mongolia-Japan economic cooperation has expanded beyond mining in recent years. Bilateral ties are growing in infrastructure, airports, energy, renewable energy, technology and human resources, and the decision to open a JETRO representative office is expected to reinforce that trend.

Reforms aimed at stabilizing Mongolia’s investment legislation and simplifying permit and licensing procedures are expected to strengthen the confidence of Japanese businesses and create opportunities for Mongolian export products to enter Japan’s highly demanding market.

The date for the official opening of the JETRO representative office and further details have not yet been announced. The two sides have so far agreed to support the process of establishing the office.