Google executives and Mongolian officials also discussed other collaborative opportunities that would incorporate Google for Start-ups, YouTube Local and artificial intelligence, according to their statement.
Oyun-Erdene signed the deal during an eventful trip to the US, where he also met with US Vice-President Kamala Harris, other senior government officials and private sector figures in Washington last week to discuss strengthening bilateral strategic partnerships.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, Mongolia and the US agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas including rare earth minerals, technology and energy. Both governments also hailed a new Open Skies Agreement that allows direct flights between the countries.
Mongolia’s Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene shakes hands with US Vice-President Kamala Harris at the White House on August 2. Photo: AP Photo
Mongolia holds a growing role in the global tech landscape, as it is rich in rare earth and copper deposits, which are crucial in the manufacturing of hi-tech products such as defence equipment and electric vehicles, which are part of many nations’ plans to address climate change.
Mongolia has cultivated partnerships with both the US and China this year. Landlocked Mongolia has long relied on its two massive neighbours, China and Russia, for most of its trade.
The country has a population of over 3 million, 65 per cent under the age of 35, making it ready to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the worldwide growth of the digital and technology sectors, according to the government.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently spoke with Oyun-Erdene over possible investments and cooperation in the electric vehicle sector. SpaceX, another company helmed by Musk and the operator of satellite internet system Starlink, received government approval last month to provide internet services in Mongolia.
In the past two years, Mongolia has moved up 18 places on the United Nations E-Government Development Index, which measures how a country is using information technologies to promote access and inclusion of its people. It currently ranks 74th.