Diversifying Production at the Labour Training and Development Center for the Blind

Ms. L. Munkhzul, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Protection, visited the Labour Training and Development Center for the Blind today, where approximately 100 people are employed, with over 80% of them being individuals with visual impairments. The center was initially a state-owned enterprise and, at its peak in 2012-2013, achieved annual sales of 2 billion MNT. However, in recent years, sales have significantly declined, with current annual sales ranging from 100-200 million MNT. This decline has been attributed to reduced demand for products such as Mongolian ger, paper goods, and toilet paper.

 

The center’s director highlighted the urgent need to diversify production and introduce new products to sustain and grow its operations. The Labour Training and Development Center for the Blind, which became a state-owned enterprise in 2020, currently receives an annual government subsidy of 600 million MNT to support its activities.

 

In addition to the visit, the State Secretary met with representatives of people with visual impairments on the occasion of “World White Cane Day.” Despite the country having more than 12,000 people with visual impairments, over 80% of whom are of working age, only around 500-600 individuals with visual impairments are currently employed. Efforts to diversify production at the center are seen as crucial for creating more job opportunities and improving the livelihoods of people with visual impairments in Mongolia.