The second thematic meeting on international trade and trade facilitation will be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on 30th - 31st of August 2007.
The meeting has the objectives of reviewing joint efforts undertaken at the WTO and UN pursuant to the Almaty Programme of Action and the Asuncion Platform for the Doha Development Agenda (DDA); identifying key issues of trade, trade facilitation, and transit transports at both multilateral (WTO) and regional levels; making recommendations on how effectively to address these issues; identifying areas of cooperation with international partners; and assisting LLDCs in revitalizing their coordinated and collective efforts to win greater international recognition in the international trade talks, including technical assistance and international support.
The United Nations is organizing this meeting as a part of the preparation towards the midterm review of the Almaty Programme of Action scheduled for 2008. The Almaty Programme of Action on transit transport cooperation between landlocked developing countries, transit developing countries and the donor community was adopted in August 2003 in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
The meeting will focus on priorities #3, International trade and trade facilitation, and #4, International support measures, of the Almaty Programme of Action and the role of these priorities in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
· Participants
The Government of Mongolia and the UN are welcoming
· Landlocked developing countries,
· Transit developing countries,
· Donor countries,
· International financial institutions, and
· Other relevant international, regional and sub-regional organizations.
· Registration
Registration of participants will start at 8:30am on Thursday, 30 August 2007 at Chinggis Khaan Hotel.
· Venue and Schedule
Chinggis Khaan Hotel, Tokyo St. 10, Ulaanbaatar 49, Mongolia
The schedule of the sessions as follows:
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Starts at:
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Ends at:
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August 30, Thursday
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9 am
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5:30pm
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August 31, Friday
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9 am
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5:30pm
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(to be confirmed)
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· Visa information
Most visitors to Mongolia will be required to have a visa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Mongolia advises all visitors to obtain visas in advance from Mongolian Embassies, Consulates and Honorary Consulates overseas.
For all types of visa application, you will need either an invitation of the receiving body (state, government, non-governmental organization, business entity) or an official written request by the sending government or local authorities, passport, filled-out application form and at least one passport-sized photograph. Passports should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months. The visas will be issued free of charge to participants of this meeting.
Those who could not obtain a visa beforehand will be issued a visa upon their arrival at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport. In this case, participants must communicate with the Organizing Committee in advance informing their names, passport information, occupation and flight number. Please make sure to bring two (2) passport-sized photographs with you.
An entry visa is not required for visitors from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on the basis of the bilateral agreement as regards visas.
· Welcoming
The Organizing Committee will set up a welcoming desk at the airport and provide transportation to hotels.
· Time one
Mongolia is in the time zone of GMT+ 08:00 hour. Daylight Saving Time (DST) does not apply.
· Translation
Simultaneous translation into English, French and Russian and vice versa will be provided throughout the session.
· Transportation
The Government of Mongolia will make transportation arrangements between: airport and hotels; hotels and Meeting sites; and for other purposes, if necessary. For those who stay at Khan Palace Hotel, the bus will serve everyday leaving at 8:30am to Chinggis Khaan Hotel and returning at 6:00pm during the meeting days
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Note: Chinggis Khaan hotel is located approximately 1 km from Khan Palace Hotel.
· Weather
Mongolia is a land of climatic extremes. The summers are hot (up to 40oC), usually dry and sunny. Most of the rainfall appears in July and August. Sun rises at 5:40am and sets at 8:45pm.
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August
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September
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Average temperature
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20oC
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17 oC
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Average Precipitation
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51 mm
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25 mm
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Furthermore, Mongolian weather is very unstable and unpredictable. Therefore, it would be important to make sure to bring both warm and light clothing.
· International calls
International phone calls could be made via calling cards and/or from your hotel rooms. International country code for Mongolia is 976 and 11 for Ulaanbaatar city.
· Food
Despite what you may hear about the availability and variety of food supplies in Mongolia, visitors will have no problem in having a balanced diet, even vegetarians and vegans. There are a wide variety of restaurants in Ulaanbaatar serving Mongolian, Chinese, Russian, European, Japanese, Korean and Latin American cuisines.
· Safety & Security
Mongolia is a safe destination. Visitors are unlikely to experience any serious problems, although, like anywhere else, care is advised in busy areas or late at night. Foreign visitors can be targets for a very small minority of thieves. Theft is seldom violent. Pick pocketing and bag slitting is most common in crowded places such as street markets, department stores or at tourist attractions such as Gandan Monastery. Valuables should be kept in a money belt and kept underneath your clothing. Be careful about being seen with large amounts of money outdoors. Being out late on your own is not advisable. Avoid ger districts and poorly lit areas. Take a torch with you and only use recognizable taxis.
· Currency & Banks
The Mongolian currency is the Tugrik (₮ or MNT) available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000 Tugrik notes. The current rate is USD1=₮1162, as of July 18, 2007. Rates change daily. Please visit the website at http://www. mongolbank.mn for more information. US$ American Express & Thomas Cook Travelers Cheques are accepted at major banks. Cash advances can be made on credit cards and VISA ATM machines are available in some locations in Ulaanbaatar. All major currencies can be exchanged at banks and licensed exchange booths in Ulaanbaatar. Many shops, restaurants and hotels now accept credit cards. Visitors should take local currency to the countryside.
· Medical Care
Mongolia does not specifically recommend any inoculations or vaccinations prior to visiting. All visitors should check with their doctors for the latest information available before departure. All visitors should ensure that they come to Mongolia with suitable medical insurance.
· Flights
Ulaanbaatar connects with Moscow Russia; Irkutsk Russia; Berlin Germany; Beijing China; Tianjing China; Osaka Japan; Tokyo Japan, and Seoul, Korea with the following airlines:
Timetable of these airlines are attached to this Information Note.
Transport within and around Ulaanbaatar is by trolley bus, bus, taxi or private car. Taxis typically cost ₮300 (USD .26) per km. (Tel.: 976-11-300 000; 331212; 344499).
· Lodging
The Organizing Committee of the meeting is glad to provide assistance to participants with their hotel reservations. Below is the information of hotels the participants will stay:
· Chinggis Khaan Hotel
Address: Tokyo street-10
Ulaanbaatar 49, Mongolia
Tel: (976 11) 313 380
Fax: (976 11) 313 380, 312 788
· Khan Palace Hotel
Address: East Cross Road, Peace Avenue
Bayanzurkh district, Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia
Tel: (976 11) 463 463
Fax: (976 11) 463 464
