Mongolia: Competitiveness assessment of the industrial sector

This study proposes a preliminary assessment of Mongolia’s industrial sector and sub-sectors, in its aim to provide the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT) with information and inputs to map out an industrial development strategy for the medium and long term. The study draws on the methodology developed by UNIDO in its Industrial Development Report 2002/2004, which methodology proposes to benchmark national industrial performance as a first step in formulating industrial strategy. With regard to tertiary enrollments as a percentage of relevant age group, Mongolia is fairly well positioned (with a 35% rate in 2001/02, compared to the 61% average rate for high-income countries and to 33% for upper middle-income countries). Mongolia offers an interesting case for policy debating: while its industrial and export performance lagged behind that of the new Asian Tigers, its record in terms of educational attainments stood comparison with that of Malaysia or Thailand. But, a ranking of 155 countries around the world by the UNIDO’s CIP index shows that Mongolia is in the 148th position, just before Botswana, Ethiopia, Burundi, Central African Republic, Tonga, Comoros and Mali.