Reports from Nepal, Mongolia and the USA
PRESIDENT OF MONGOLIA VISITS AMERICA
The President of Mongolia spoke in San Francisco last week, and made a presentation/ report about Mongolia, it's hopes, and desire for good relations with the United States. The meeting, sponsored by the Asia Foundation, and the World Affairs Council was well attended. It was my pleasure to personally meet President Bagabandi and discuss economic development in Mongolia. I also visited with Ambassador R. Bold, and the U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia, Pamela Slutz. Our Mongolian Company, BBA Mongolia was present because of our active economic development efforts and efforts to attract new investors to Mongolia. The Mongolia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in consideration of this event, named me the Honorary Representative of the Mongolian Chamber to the United States. Gordon Hein, T. Layton Croft, and David Kim of the Asia Foundation all expressed enthusiasm and continued support for the future of Mongolia. At a private dinner awards and gifts of appreciation were exchanged between Mongolia's President Bagabandi, and the Asia Foundation.
Mongolia is still adjusting from the recent elections, but all indications are that the government there is gradually moving toward acceptance of the democratic vote, and new government organization is taking place. The communist party is out of control and the democrats are back in.
REPORT FROM NEPAL - PEACE FINALLY!
Yankila Sherpa is a member of the Nepali Parliament. She has also been a leader in Asia in women's issues, recently serving on the WEAN delegation in Bangladesh to help women's economic empowerment through micro-enterprise development.
Nepal has seen a long period of crisis due a paralyzed government and Maoist revolution in the outlying regions. But Yankila write that things are looking better in Nepal. A new coalition government has formed after 11 months of rule by the RPP party. She says: "4 parties have come together to form a multiparty government which has its main mission to hold peace talks. Peace is what Nepal has needed, for the violence with the revolution has been disastrous for the economy there, especially in the tourist sector. With the new coalition government, and a new period of peace, Nepal will again be a destination for thousands who love to trek in the Himilayas. For those of you who want more information about Nepal and travel conditions, contact Yankila directly at: snowlprd@trek.wlink.com.np
DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION BEGINS IN BOSTON
Democrats, for the first time in years, smell the taste of victory as the Democratic convention begins in Boston. While national polls show Kerry at 46% and Bush at 45%, the electoral map shows Bush with about at 10 point edge, due to the increased population of states where Bush is strong. But, sociologists report an interesting factor from people who voted for Bush in the last election. About 8% of former Bush supporters them are reporting that they will vote against Bush in the upcoming election. The impact of John Edwards on the Kerry campaign appears to be positive, and his rhetorical skills may be valuable as the election draws near and he debates V.P. Dick Cheney. While all of this goes on, the report on 9/11 is out, and highly critical of the Bush Administration for lack of attention to warnings of terrorist attacks. This is probably why Washington D.C. looks like an armed camp with barricades, streets blocked, and police at almost every corner around the capital building. Everyone is afraid of blame if another terrorist attack happens. As U.S. Congressman Ralph Hall said: "It will take 20 years for us to un-do this over-reaction to terror in Washington D.C.. Much of what is going on is for political purposes, not for security."
16% ON SAVINGS RATES AT CREDIT UNION IN MONGOLIA
The Mongolian-American Development Fund Credit & Saving's Union (CSU) is now paying 16% for a one year savings deposit. These funds will be invested in loans to home buyers based upon a 50% to value loan (the borrowers must put 50% down). If you would like to enjoy these high rates of return, on what appears to be a low risk investment, contact:bba_a@hotmail.com and they will assist you to get your money working for you at 16% per annum.