The Dilenschneider Group has a $300K contract with to provide PR and strategic counseling services to Mongolia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Economist (Jan. 3) predicted that commodity-rich Mongolia is going to be the second fastest-growing economy this year, advance at a 13 percent clip as the world’s largest copper and gold mine begins commercial production.

According to the State Dept., Mongolia considers the U.S. its “third neighbor” in an effort to cut its reliance of adjoining Russia and China. Mongolia contributed about 350 soldiers for peace-keeping duties in Afghanistan.

Yum Brands, on Jan. 10, announced plans to open the first KFC restaurants in Mongolia. Its capital city of Ulan Bator will host four of the chicken outlets.