Mongolia Trade & Commodity Finance Conference

Event Review

Mining, minerals and the impact of huge commodity-led growth formed a key focus for discussion at Exporta's inaugural Mongolia Trade & Commodity Finance Conference in Ulaanbaatar on October 13, an event which drew the cream of local banking and corporate financiers to discuss opportunities available with international bankers, lawyers and insurance providers.

Over 110 delegates were in attendance to discuss Mongolia's plans for building on the economic benefits provided by vast reserves of minerals such as coal and copper, as demonstrated by large scale projects such as the Oyu Tolgoi mine, while trading relations with traditional partners such as Russia and China and the need to build new economic ties also formed a key part of discussions.

Welcoming some of the most senior business leaders in Mongolia, the conference was opened by Ganhuyag Chuluun Hutagt, Vice Minister of Finance, who focused on the importance of equitable distribution of wealth gained as a result of economic growth. This was followed by a panel discussion made up of CEOs from Mongolia's leading trade finance banks XacBank, Trade & Development Bank and Khan Bank, which addressed key issues such as local financing capacity, new financing techniques, infrastructural requirements and the role of international banks in providing additional financing.

These discussions were both lively and insightful, with strong participation from the audience, as local and international participants debated their respective roles and sought to ascertain how best to work together to drive the country forward. On the corporate side, a high level panel discussion welcomed directors from leading local companies such as Mongolia Development Resources, Mongolian Star Melchers, AIDD and Newcom Group, who debated both available bank financing and human resources challenges when operating within a small talent pool.

Other sessions addressed the role of trade facilitation programmes in increasing capacity and the demand for insurance products as a result of increasing exports.

Networking opportunities, both in building new relationships and consolidating old ones, formed an important part of the discussions, while an evening drinks reception provided the chance for additional discussions on the opportunities available.

Description

*  Click here to book online with a promo code


 Exporta's inaugural ‘Mongolia Trade & Commodity Finance Conference' will take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, bringing together trade leaders to discuss the vast opportunities found within a country rich in both resources and opportunity.

Mongolia has witnessed exponential growth in the last few years, with a GDP increase that compares favourably with any country in the region, benefitting from a stable environment hugely conducive for doing business.

Benefitting from an unrivalled geographical location between Russia and China (its two core trading partners) and a thriving natural resources sector, the country is widely viewed as having the potential to become one of Asia’s leading commodities hub, and a key growth market for the world’s energy and minerals sectors.

In addition to a strong group of core local banks, a number of leading global operators have turned their attention towards the thriving Mongolian market, with many of them looking to provide the liquidity needed to finance the projects necessary to maximise the country’s potential harness its vast reserves of minerals such as copper, coal, uranium, gold and zinc.

This landmark conference will only welcome the leading experts within the trade and commodity finance sector, utilising a format that includes detailed case studies, informed debate and invaluable networking opportunities.

Topics to be discussed throughout the course of the conference will include:

• Considering the threat posed by volatile commodity prices and their impact on the export-import balance
• Utilising Mongolia’s competitive advantage to improve product diversification and reduce dependence on mining/minerals
• Getting the word out: Improving underdeveloped promotion services to demonstrate the unique appeal of Mongolia
• Raising capital from foreign investors to develop projects and infrastructure within key sectors such as mining and maximise productivity
• Developing an export financing structure to cope with increased demand and a growing global appetite
• Expanding trading relations beyond traditional allies to become a truly global trade partner
• Reducing dependence on foreign imports for the fulfilment of projects within key sectors such as construction, communication and transportation
• Forging relationships between local and international banks to provide vital liquidity within the marketplace
• Focusing on specific projects and highlighting the key role of other actors such as insurers and multilaterals in providing risk coverage
 

Who should attend?

• Trade, export and commodity finance heads and officers
• Corporate finance directors, CFOs and treasurers
• Treasury and cash management leaders
• Trade financiers and investment officers
• Brokers and traders
• Venture capitalists
• Insurance underwriters and brokers
• Export credit agencies
• Multilaterals
• Solution providers
• Lawyers and consultants
• Market analysts and policy advisors

The conference will be followed by a special evening reception, allowing delegates to network informally and continue their various discussions on this exciting market.

Event Photos

Brochure

Programme

08.50 Chairman’s opening remarks
Alisher Ali, Chairman, Eurasia Capital

09.00 Keynote: Increasing the trade and investment appeal of Mongolia
Ganhuyag Chuluun Hutagt, Vice Minister of Finance, Ministry of Finance of Mongolia
•    Capitalising on the country’s vast natural resources to maximise growth
•    Debating the current priority sectors and assessing the role of government support
•    Expanding trading relations beyond traditional allies such as China and Russia to become a global trade partner

09.25 Panel discussion:  The role of the banking sector in facilitating growth
Moderator: Alisher Ali, Chairman, Eurasia Capital
Bat-Ochir Dugersuren, Chief Executive Officer, XacBank
Simon Morris, Chief Executive Officer, Khan Bank
Randolph Koppa, President, Trade & Development Bank of Mongolia
•    Does the local banking sector have the capacity to cope with the country’s vast growth potential?
•    Tracking the strategic approaches of international banks looking to enter the Mongolian market
•    Is lack of liquidity still the principal obstacle for banks looking to provide financing?
•    Assessing the impact of the regulatory environment on Mongolia’s economic development
•    What role can development and multilateral institutions play in providing additional capacity?

10.15 Networking break

11.00 Financing SME sub-contractors on construction projects
Tim O'Neill, Vice-President of Business Banking, XacBank
Batmunkh Sengee, Director, ULEMJ LLC
•    What are the financing requirements for the SME sub-contractor?
•    Identifying available sources of finance
•    Importing materials: A case study (advance payment guarantees vs letters of credit)

11.40 Legal aspects of trade with Mongolia
Stephen Tricks, Partner, Clyde & Co.
Khandsuren Khuu, Mongolian-qualified lawyer, Clyde & Co.
•    The Mongolian legal environment: A general overview
•    Development of business and international trade law
•    Dispute resolution clauses: What works and what does not

12.10 Panel discussion: Opportunities and challenges within the corporate sector
Moderator: Jim Dwyer, Executive Director, Business Council of Mongolia
Laurenz Melchers, Director, Mongolian Star Melchers
Marat Utegenov, Executive Director, Mongolia Development Resources
James Polson, Executive Director, AIDD
B Byambasaikhan, Managing Director, Newcom Group
B Enkhbat, Vice-President, Operations, Just Group
•    What are the primary financing challenges faced by companies looking to expand their trade base?
•    Discussing the offerings available from local banks to help manage liquidity and cash flow
•    Problems posed by operating within a small competitive market with a limited talent pool
•    The role of banking partners and government support in assisting overseas expansion

13.00 Lunch

14.00 Panel discussion: Developing trade finance in Mongolia
Moderator: Marco Nindl, Trade Finance Banker, European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD)
Vincent O'Brien, Chair, Market Intelligence Group, ICC Banking Commission
Bodo Thöns, Senior Representative for Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Mongolia, Commerzbank
Bulgan Zayat, Director of SME Banking, XacBank
Stephen Caley, Chief Risk Officer, Khan Bank
•    Debating the role of trade facilitation programmes in filling market gaps
•    The impact of liquidity demands in shaping financing facilities
•    To what extent has multilateral financing impacted on the SME sector?
•    Reducing dependence on such initiatives through increased private sector growth

15.00 Assessing infrastructural requirements and how to finance them
Batdorj G, CEO, Infra Development of Mongolia (IDM)
•    Raising capital from foreign investors to develop and carry out key infrastructural initiatives
•    Tackling infrastructural bottlenecks to maximise development potential and increase growth
•    Reducing dependence on foreign imports for fulfilment of projects in key sectors such as construction, communications and transport

15.30 Networking break

16.00 Mitigating risk: The insurer’s role in aiding Mongolian growth
Moderator: Julian Hudson, Regional Manager, Political Risk & Credit, Ace Asia Pacific
Matthew Strong, Managing Director, Capital Risks, Jardine Lloyd Thomson
Sean Aston, General Manager, London Forfaiting Company
Mark Bonnar, Vice-President, Construction & Energy Liability, Chartis Asia Pacific
David Anderson, Senior Vice-President & Regional Manager, Asia, Zurich
•    Is Mongolia on the radar of the trade credit and political risk insurance market?
•    Addressing problems in information sourcing and bridging the information gap
•    How are property and casualty insurers rising to the challenge?
•    Is there sufficient capacity and appetite to cover Mongolia's huge growth potential?

16.40 Panel discussion: Harnessing Mongolia’s trade and commodity potential
Moderator: Chris Bradley, Consultant, Standard Bank
Maarten Koning, Director, Head of Commodities Group, North Asia, ING
Abdullo Kurbanov, Associate, Origo Partners
Uuganbayar S, Director, Business Development, MCS International
Jessica Kenworthy, Associate, SNR Denton
O Orkhon, First Deputy CEO, Trade & Development Bank of Mongolia
• Assessing the impact of volatile commodity prices on the Mongolian trade landscape
• Comparing pricing and availability of liquidity for different sized companies across the spectrum
• Highlighting opportunities for collaboration between local and international banks
• The importance of developing a strong infrastructural base to provide a platform for trade growth
• Considering the importance of increased global reach in developing Mongolia’s export pool
• Is the success of Mongolia’s export market dependent on improving the import sector?

17.30 Close of conference
 

Venue

Accommodation

Delegates are responsible for the arrangement and payment of their own travel and accommodation.

Upon registering to attend this event, Exporta will inform you of how to book accommodation at the venue.

Sponsors

Sponsorship opportunities including exhibition stands are available for this event.

To become a sponsor, please contact Tom Whitehead, Head of Sponsorship Sales at twhitehead@exportagroup.com.

Exporta's events have a global reputation, renowned for superb networking opportunities and educational presentations by high-profile speakers.

Time after time our events attract the leading companies in our market as sponsors.

See below for a full list of our Event Sponsors, Institutional Partners and Media Partners and click on the logo to visit their web site. 

Delegate Packs