Youth build a rainbow of friendship between nations

Mongolia has attracted about 1,000 Chinese enterprises to invest in the country. Liu Baatar, the chairman of the Ulan Bator-based Mongolia-Inner Mongolia Chamber of Commerce says young entrepreneurs can be crucial, giving impetus to a closer relationship between the two countries. The chamber of commerce is involved with more than 100 enterprises from Inner Mongolia.

He says although China and Mongolia have had similar youth exchanges in recent years, the absence of an ongoing framework has been a major problem. For example, a program to encourage Chinese youth to become volunteer teachers in Mongolia started well but later struggled when they failed to continue to attract new recruits. He says he is pleased existing frameworks are being utilized to maximize the influence of the Colongo project.

"Colongo is not only a rainbow connecting the two countries, but a ribbon tying us expats to our homeland," says Liu, who has lived in Mongolia for over 20 years. "Because we are familiar with both countries, we will explore other possible ways to make our own contribution."

Baibayin Tala, 29, a student of the Mongolian ethnic group from the autonomous region's Xilin Gol League, was a youth representative at the opening ceremony on Friday. He is earning his masters degree at the National University of Mongolia in Ulan Bator and has focused his studies on relations among different ancient Mongol clans.

"The common blood makes it easy to connect with my classmates," he says. "I am the only Chinese student in my class, but there are many students in China who are interested in Mongolia but have no access to better know about this country. Fortunately, Colongo offers a great opportunity."

"The top leaders from both sides agree that youth communication is a crucial part of the exchange of ideas on humanity," says Wang Xiaolong, Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia. "There is a huge space where the two sides can learn from each other."