ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA (7 July 2026) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Premium Nexus JSC (Premium Nexus) have signed a $10 million (MNT35.8 billion equivalent) social loan to improve access to safe, affordable food and essential goods through modernized retail infrastructure, strengthened cold chain logistics, and expanded convenience store networks across Mongolia.
“Access to safe, affordable food and essential goods remain uneven across Mongolia, particularly for communities outside Ulaanbaatar,” said ADB Country Operations Head for Mongolia Chandra Mohan Arora. “This project will help improve the consistency and reach of food distribution nationwide by strengthening retail and logistics operations, reducing bottlenecks, and creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs.”
Mongolia’s food system is transforming as urbanization and consumer demand grows for convenience, product variety, and higher hygiene standards. However, fragmented distribution networks, unstable supply, and limited logistics infrastructure restrict access to safe, affordable food and essential goods. Retail employment also remains largely informal, and women—who play a key role in the sector—face barriers to finance and market opportunities.
The project will support expansion of Premium Nexus retail and logistics operations, including the construction of a cold chain distribution center and the establishment of 240 new CU stores in Ulaanbaatar and rural areas. CU is a leading convenience store brand that Premium Nexus has brought to Mongolia. It is expected to generate around 900 jobs, employing women and rural workers, and increase local suppliers from 420 to 453. The project will strengthen women’s economic participation by expanding opportunities in franchise operations, improving access to finance, and promoting products made by women in Premium Nexus stores.
"This partnership with ADB represents much more than financing. It is an investment in Mongolia's food security, supply chain resilience, and inclusive economic growth,” said Premium Nexus CEO Chinzorig Ganbold. “We appreciate ADB's confidence in Premium Nexus and are proud that the financing has been recognized as a social loan, reflecting the positive impact we aim to deliver every day to Mongolian consumers, businesses, and communities."
The loan has been tagged as a social loan by Det Norske Veritas (DNV), a leading global environmental, social, and governance assurance firm, as its full proceeds will support employment generation, improved access to essential services, and socioeconomic empowerment in line with the Social Loan Principles. This is expected to help mobilize similar thematic financing in Mongolia.
Established in 2017, Premium Nexus is Mongolia’s largest convenience store operator, managing the CU brand under an exclusive franchise agreement with BGF Retail Company Limited of the Republic of Korea. As of March 2026, the company operates 557 stores nationwide and employs more than 5,200 people, making it the country’s second-largest private sector employer.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.