10th Anniversary Special Remarks

From a Small Mall Exhibit to an International Celebration of Mongolia

Ten years ago, the idea for Mongolian Days was simple but bold: bring Mongolia’s craftsmanship to the world. It began humbly by the Export International Trade Center at Chicago’s Northbrook Mall — a small gathering of booths showcasing the work of Mongolian manufacturers. At that time, the focus was purely on the Made in Mongolia Exhibition, introducing American shoppers to the unmatched quality of Mongolian-made cashmere, wool, and leather pieces.

What started as a modest setup quickly sparked something greater. Visitors were intrigued not just by the products, but by the stories behind them — stories of herders, artisans, and entrepreneurs whose skills had been honed over generations. The positive reception and demand for more inspired the vision to transform this exhibition into something much larger.

A Decade of Growth and Global Reach

Over the years, Mongolian Days evolved from a one-city retail showcase into a multi-country, multi-day annual celebration of Mongolia’s economic potential and cultural richness. Today, it unites three pillars:

• Made in Mongolia Expo – Spotlighting small and medium manufacturers producing premium goods for export.

• Invest Mongolia – Creating a platform for international investors, consultants, and policymakers to explore business and trade opportunities.

• Go Mongolia – Celebrating Mongolia’s living culture through music, art, fashion, and heritage experiences.

The event now welcomes participants from across North America, Mongolia, and beyond, building bridges between cultures and economies.

From Temporary Showcase to Permanent Presence

One of the most enduring outcomes of that first small exhibition is the initiatives of Mongolian Gallery by Ms. Oyunbileg Damdin, the visionary behind Mongolian Days. Located in the heart of the fashion capital, New York City, Mongolian Gallery has become a permanent retail boutique dedicated to showcasing premium cashmere, wool, and leather apparel and accessories.

The gallery not only offers a space for Mongolian brands to connect with a luxury market, but also serves as a cultural hub, sharing the story of Mongolia’s heritage and craftsmanship with every customer who walks through its doors.

Driving Export Diversification and Collaboration

Mongolian Days has also expanded its mission beyond retail. Organized in collaboration with Export International Trade Center (EITC), a non-profit organization committed to advancing Mongolia’s export diversification, the event plays a vital role in connecting domestic producers with foreign buyers, investors, and industry experts. Through educational sessions, B2B meetings, and cultural exchange programs, Mongolian Days fosters cross-cultural collaboration and long-term partnerships that support sustainable growth for Mongolia’s small and medium enterprises.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Mongolian Days, we reflect not only on how far we’ve come, but on the community that made it possible — the artisans, entrepreneurs, government partners, investors, cultural ambassadors, and loyal supporters who share in this vision.

From a few booths in a suburban mall to an international platform for trade, investment, and culture, Mongolian Days continues to grow — carrying forward the mission to showcase Mongolia’s finest to the world while creating lasting connections that benefit both people and economies.

Here’s to the next decade of collaboration, creativity, and cultural pride.