The FoodEx is the largest food related trade fair in Asia. 2 representatives from the sea buckthorn cluster in Uvs took part in the event. The visit of the FoodEx was accompanied by presentations on Japanese import regulations, a B2B event and the visit of a food testing laboratory. During the B2B event 10 Japanese companies showed interest in sea buckthorn products from Uvs. An important learning is that Japanese importers place a lot of emphasis on compliance of import products with international standards. The participation of companies from Mongolia was facilitated by Mrs. Takumi Masuda, JICA consultant in the Cooperation Department of MNCCI.

German expert Mr. Axel Wähling conducted a further training, this time with a focus on product development. He introduced a total of 30 producers from the sea buckthorn cluster in Uvs into techniques to produce sea buckthorn wine, powder and juice with a lower sugar content.

German expert Mrs. Sigrid Bannier trained 17 felt producers from Tsetserleg and surrounding soums in planning methods (for instance weighing required felt amounts and documentation of the required amounts in order to ensure replication) and modern, partly abstract designs. The training contributed to widening the product range and to professionalize the production process.

A short survey conducted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Arkhangai revealed that out of 8 felt producers interviewed, 7 of them recorded an increase in their gross income. The increases were in the range between 20% and 100%. This positive change can be attributed to their enhanced capacities through participation in training workshops offered by ProValue.

On behalf of sequa, the German implementing organization, and the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Mrs. Sonja Ende conducted an evaluation of the first phase of ProValue. She held meetings with MNCCI, the cluster groups from Uvs and Arkhangai as well as representatives of Mongolian government institutions and international donor organizations. Her analysis revealed that the project was successful and attained its objectives. She recommended a second phase of the project which was accepted by BMZ in August 2018.

Local expert Mrs. Nyamjav conducted a training on occupational safety and health in sea buckthorn cultivation in Ulaangom which counted with a participation of 48 sea buckthorn cultivators and processors.

12 representatives of the sea buckthorn cluster in Uvs, the local administration and MNCCI participated in a study tour to German sea buckthorn nurseries and processing companies. The study tour gave insights into fertilization and irrigation of sea buckthorn as well as the management of nurseries. It also demonstrated that even small companies can produce a large variety of products based on sea buckthorn (for instance vinegars, jams, salt, different juices, sweets etc.). The discussion with Germany’s Import Promotion Desk demonstrated the complexity of EU requirements for imported food products.

In June 2017 the Centre for Sheep Shearing and Animal Hygiene was opened near Tsetserleg. Since the harvest of sheep wool takes place during a short time of only one month (mid-June up to mid-July each year), 2018 was the first year of “real” operations of the centre. In total, 4,565 sheep from 36 herder families were sheared and around 3,500 underwent bathing in order to protect them from parasites. The clustergroup in Arkhangai had initially expected higher figures. However these could not be reached due to the mouth and foot disease spreading during this period, which led authorities to restrict the freedom of movement of animals. Despite these constraints the center recorded an operational profit which impacts positively on its sustainability.

The administration of Uvs Aimak and the sea buckthorn cluster group of Uvs conducted the second Sea Buckthorn Festival. The Festival entailed various presentations on topics such as the strategy of the cluster group, innovations in sea buckthorn cultivation, pest control, job placement activities of the local labour office, financial products relevant for agriculture and up-to-date statistics on the sea buckthorn harvest. It also entailed an exposition of sea buckthorn products as well as cultural and social activities. With a total of 200 visitors the event was considered a great success.