Ulaanbaatar, April 11, 2023 /MONTSAME/. By invitation of the Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry Kh. Bolorchuluun a delegation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty of the French Republic headed by Minister Marc Fesneau paid an official visit to Mongolia on April 7-9, 2023.

Private companies and investments play a significant role in the agricultural and food relationship between the two countries.

The two Ministers worked towards boosting the cooperation in the following three directions: 

• Bilateral cooperation between the Ministries – livestock identification, genetics, quality marking, and geographical indications (access to the EU markets, increase in farmer’s income,  better information for consumers), coordination and establishment of cooperation between professional institutions (livestock, crop production, forestry), improving a value chain of agricultural products as well as the increasing capacity building of experts, exchange of expertise, technique, and technology, know-how; 
• Bilateral cooperation in the field of Veterinary Services – livestock and animal health, vaccination, exchange of experts, expertise, participation in international events and training courses;
• Business-to-business collaboration – cooperation in both directions: Mongolia – import of high-breed livestock, agricultural, and food products from France; France – import of cashmere for the luxury industry, organic and natural food products (geographically indicated) from Mongolia. French Cooperatives as a model for agricultural production and exports as well as supporting start-up businesses and SMEs.

Significantly, the trade between Mongolia and France in the agricultural sector increased by 50% in 2022.

In respect of the National Program on One Billion Trees to combat desertification and climate change, Minister Marc Fesneau mentioned that a French expert would start working with Mongolia’s national forest agency from April 2023 in order to support this program and Mongolia’s plans in the forestry sector.

Within the framework of food security and supply, the parties discussed the ongoing cooperation and new projects, particularly in the field of training workshops, animal health, and its interaction with human health (“One Health” Program).

The Ministers discussed the diversification of the strategy of the Mongolian economy and the reorganization of the agro-industrial branch, aiming at giving priority to quality breeding and products such as textiles with high added value, as cashmere garments.

As a part of the program of the official visit, Minister Marc Fesneau visited a model business – a semi-intensive farm of high-breed dairy cows imported from France located in the central aimag,  and “Carrefour”, French Network of Supermarkets established in partnership with a Mongolian company in Ulaanbaatar importing of more than 3000 types of quality assured food products from France.

The French Minister had thorough discussions with representatives of the livestock, agriculture, and agri-food sectors.

A substantial dialogue between Mongolia and France enables better face international challenges and increases the resilience of the agricultural and rural sectors. Although France and Mongolia are geographically far apart, they face the same global challenges: food sovereignty, climate change, the need to increase farmers' income, and product transparency for consumers. Mongolia attaches high value and importance to the visit of His Excellency Mr. Marc Fesneau, French Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, and his delegation.