Pilon
16-12-2006, 02:10
ooc: This is a a thread for any matters dealing with the Solar Federation of Trade
The original thread can be located here: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=502213
ic: Solar Federation of Trade
Preamble
Recognizing that it is in the best interests of nations to seek out beneficial trade relationships with one another. Nations and other organizations based on trade are encouraged to come together and determine the relative wants and needs of their individual markets, so they may exchange goods and services with one another.
Recognizing that there are different forms of economies, ranging from Free Market Economies to Command Economies ran by the Government and different forms of international trade including Free Trade, Fair Trade, and Planned Trade. In pursuit of mutually beneficial relationships with our neighbors we recognize that it is these differences that make us strong.
It is in this environment of goodwill towards and interest in the many forms of trade various nations and institutions seek that we hereby assemble together in the pursuit of not just trade and profit, but also in the pursuit of closer bonds with one another through cooperation and the mutual knowledge naturally brought about by such. We seek to include all sellers, buyers, investors seeking good projects to put money into, and entrepreneurs seeking a place to hear their ideas and find those interested in making their dreams a reality.
Goal
The goal of this treaty is to establish a meeting place where nations can seek out others interested in trade relationships with them. It will also act as a place for nations to put forward proposals, find contractors and investors, and invite commentary and advince on their ideas. The treaty is for a flexible, open-end approach to trade that still provides some stability for the signatories and preventing infringements on Sovereignty.
Basic treaty requirements
To this end signatories of the treaty:
· Shall recognize each other’s borders and sovereignty insofar as these are internationally recognized.
· Shall establish diplomatic representation either in person or by some other interactive means that can act as a representative for their nation or institution in a meeting place set aside for all signatories.
· Shall make a commitment to resolve disputes with other signatory nations, economic or otherwise peacefully and in good conscience. If such a commitment cannot be kept, all parties involved will not use this forum as a means to further their disputes.
Levels of participation
Signatories to the treaty can choose to participate in trade at several levels
Planned trade
· Nations choosing to participate in the level of “planned trade” must choose individually who else they will trade with and in what amounts. No other signatories can abridge this right, as the needs of command economies do not generally accept external market forces. In consequence, however, it is not assumed that a planned trade signatory trades anything with any other signatory unless it specifically states who it trades with and what it trades in.
Fair trade
· Nations choosing to participate in the level of “fair trade” must declare what conditions are appropriate for it to consider trading with other signatories. Signatories that meet those conditions can then be assumed to trade with the fair trading nation, up to the reasonable limits imposed by the nation in question and excluding planned trade signatories (unless specifically noted by said planned trade signatories). The limitations a fair trade signatory can place may include but are not limited to tariffs, ecological impact, workforce wages, and social taboos.
Free trade
· Nations choosing to participate in the level of “free trade” are considered to trade freely and openly with all other signatories except for fair trade signatories (in the case that the nation does not meet the fair trade signatory’s requirements) or planned trade signatories (unless said planned trade signatory openly approves of trading with the nation). It will be assumed that no tariffs will be instituted between free trading signatories and all free trading signatories pen their entire markets to all products of all other free trading signatories, unless noted otherwise as below.
If desired, signatory nations can take protectionist measures such as instituting tariffs against signatories with a different level of participation to prevent unfair competition. (For example: import tariffs against a planned economy signatory subsidizing exports to a ‘free trade’ signatory nation.) Such measures are not enforced by this organization; national governments can make their own arrangements in this regard within treaty stipulations.
Corporate
· Corporations and other institutions based on trade that is not, by themselves, responsible for regulating things such sovereignty and tariffs can still participate in the treaty. The Corporation will abide by the rules and regulations of its governing nation, they are still free to sell whatever goods and services they can provide within national guidelines.
Optional: Cultural exchange, Cooperative Research and Student Exchange Programs
· Signatories at any level of participation can choose to participate in cultural exchange programs designed to foster a greater understanding between the peoples of signatory nations. Student exchanges can also open minds to other cultures; as well as spread knowledge of best practices amongst signatory nations. While not required, cultural exchange is highly encouraged as it helps to build closer bonds between signatories and strengthen understanding between nations that may have wildly different cultural practices and ideals. Signatories may also choose to participate in cooperative research or engage in technology swapping with one another however such is not a requirement.
Boycotts and sanctions
Economic boycotts between signatory nations are not recommended; the treaty calls for nations to attempt to resolve their differences diplomatically. However sometimes a political crisis can make purely diplomatic solutions impossible. In this case nations experiencing the political crisis are strongly advised to attempt to reach an agreement through other means themselves without calling on the trade organization as a whole.
Failing this, then exceptions may be requested by any signatory nation; such a request is to be judged by a neutral body of experts from other signatory nations. To prevent excessive use of economic sanctions as a policy tool, exceptions from the rule that a bilateral agreement has been reached may only be requested in severe cases for:
· a) a total trade embargo or
· b) a weapons embargo
A body of neutral experts from all nations may judge trade disputes. This body will consist of any nations not currently involved in the trade dispute who declare impartiality in the case and to whom all sides of the dispute agree as a mediator.
OOC clauses
· In the unfortunate case that signatory nations IGNORE other signatory nations, for all purposes they shall be deemed as non-existing so membership does not entail mandatory recognition of all signatories.
· For purposes of trade, economies shall be deemed “modular” despite differences that may exist in the precise tech level that is maintained: this is merely to ensure that economies of vastly different tech levels can exist next to each other in the multiverse without being out-competed instantly.
Amending the Treaty
Should the need arise for an amendment to the treaty. Any signatory may issue a proposed amendment. Every signatory will be allowed to speak out for or against the proposed amendment and, should a majority or the original signatory who issued the amendment deem it necessary, change the text of the proposed amendment until the time for a vote upon the amendment is called upon. At that point, every signatory will be allowed to vote either in Favor or Against the proposed amendment. A reasonable time frame must be given for other signatories to voice their opinions before a vote can be called. Any signatory that does not vote will not count in the total when determining a majority vote.
A two-thirds majority of votes in favor of the proposed amendment is required for it to become part of the overall treaty.
Ejection from Treaty
A vote can be called by any other signatory for immediate ejection from the treaty of any signatory of this treaty that violates the treaty’s basic requirements. If the vote passes with a two-thirds majority vote in the same fashion to a proposed amendment than the signatory’s name will be removed and the signatory must then gain a two-thirds majority vote from the signatories again to regain signatory status.
Signatories
Free Trade
Issac Malisse, Speaker of the Council, Greater Peoples Hegemony of Pilon
Victoria Sheshet, Secretary of State of the United States of Allanea
Mira Furlan, Chief diplomat on Mars, Abh Empire
Corporate
Malthus Cruonis, NCEO, Interspace and Undersea Salvage and Recycling Cooperative, Commonalitarianism Trade Representative
The original thread can be located here: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=502213
ic: Solar Federation of Trade
Preamble
Recognizing that it is in the best interests of nations to seek out beneficial trade relationships with one another. Nations and other organizations based on trade are encouraged to come together and determine the relative wants and needs of their individual markets, so they may exchange goods and services with one another.
Recognizing that there are different forms of economies, ranging from Free Market Economies to Command Economies ran by the Government and different forms of international trade including Free Trade, Fair Trade, and Planned Trade. In pursuit of mutually beneficial relationships with our neighbors we recognize that it is these differences that make us strong.
It is in this environment of goodwill towards and interest in the many forms of trade various nations and institutions seek that we hereby assemble together in the pursuit of not just trade and profit, but also in the pursuit of closer bonds with one another through cooperation and the mutual knowledge naturally brought about by such. We seek to include all sellers, buyers, investors seeking good projects to put money into, and entrepreneurs seeking a place to hear their ideas and find those interested in making their dreams a reality.
Goal
The goal of this treaty is to establish a meeting place where nations can seek out others interested in trade relationships with them. It will also act as a place for nations to put forward proposals, find contractors and investors, and invite commentary and advince on their ideas. The treaty is for a flexible, open-end approach to trade that still provides some stability for the signatories and preventing infringements on Sovereignty.
Basic treaty requirements
To this end signatories of the treaty:
· Shall recognize each other’s borders and sovereignty insofar as these are internationally recognized.
· Shall establish diplomatic representation either in person or by some other interactive means that can act as a representative for their nation or institution in a meeting place set aside for all signatories.
· Shall make a commitment to resolve disputes with other signatory nations, economic or otherwise peacefully and in good conscience. If such a commitment cannot be kept, all parties involved will not use this forum as a means to further their disputes.
Levels of participation
Signatories to the treaty can choose to participate in trade at several levels
Planned trade
· Nations choosing to participate in the level of “planned trade” must choose individually who else they will trade with and in what amounts. No other signatories can abridge this right, as the needs of command economies do not generally accept external market forces. In consequence, however, it is not assumed that a planned trade signatory trades anything with any other signatory unless it specifically states who it trades with and what it trades in.
Fair trade
· Nations choosing to participate in the level of “fair trade” must declare what conditions are appropriate for it to consider trading with other signatories. Signatories that meet those conditions can then be assumed to trade with the fair trading nation, up to the reasonable limits imposed by the nation in question and excluding planned trade signatories (unless specifically noted by said planned trade signatories). The limitations a fair trade signatory can place may include but are not limited to tariffs, ecological impact, workforce wages, and social taboos.
Free trade
· Nations choosing to participate in the level of “free trade” are considered to trade freely and openly with all other signatories except for fair trade signatories (in the case that the nation does not meet the fair trade signatory’s requirements) or planned trade signatories (unless said planned trade signatory openly approves of trading with the nation). It will be assumed that no tariffs will be instituted between free trading signatories and all free trading signatories pen their entire markets to all products of all other free trading signatories, unless noted otherwise as below.
If desired, signatory nations can take protectionist measures such as instituting tariffs against signatories with a different level of participation to prevent unfair competition. (For example: import tariffs against a planned economy signatory subsidizing exports to a ‘free trade’ signatory nation.) Such measures are not enforced by this organization; national governments can make their own arrangements in this regard within treaty stipulations.
Corporate
· Corporations and other institutions based on trade that is not, by themselves, responsible for regulating things such sovereignty and tariffs can still participate in the treaty. The Corporation will abide by the rules and regulations of its governing nation, they are still free to sell whatever goods and services they can provide within national guidelines.
Optional: Cultural exchange, Cooperative Research and Student Exchange Programs
· Signatories at any level of participation can choose to participate in cultural exchange programs designed to foster a greater understanding between the peoples of signatory nations. Student exchanges can also open minds to other cultures; as well as spread knowledge of best practices amongst signatory nations. While not required, cultural exchange is highly encouraged as it helps to build closer bonds between signatories and strengthen understanding between nations that may have wildly different cultural practices and ideals. Signatories may also choose to participate in cooperative research or engage in technology swapping with one another however such is not a requirement.
Boycotts and sanctions
Economic boycotts between signatory nations are not recommended; the treaty calls for nations to attempt to resolve their differences diplomatically. However sometimes a political crisis can make purely diplomatic solutions impossible. In this case nations experiencing the political crisis are strongly advised to attempt to reach an agreement through other means themselves without calling on the trade organization as a whole.
Failing this, then exceptions may be requested by any signatory nation; such a request is to be judged by a neutral body of experts from other signatory nations. To prevent excessive use of economic sanctions as a policy tool, exceptions from the rule that a bilateral agreement has been reached may only be requested in severe cases for:
· a) a total trade embargo or
· b) a weapons embargo
A body of neutral experts from all nations may judge trade disputes. This body will consist of any nations not currently involved in the trade dispute who declare impartiality in the case and to whom all sides of the dispute agree as a mediator.
OOC clauses
· In the unfortunate case that signatory nations IGNORE other signatory nations, for all purposes they shall be deemed as non-existing so membership does not entail mandatory recognition of all signatories.
· For purposes of trade, economies shall be deemed “modular” despite differences that may exist in the precise tech level that is maintained: this is merely to ensure that economies of vastly different tech levels can exist next to each other in the multiverse without being out-competed instantly.
Amending the Treaty
Should the need arise for an amendment to the treaty. Any signatory may issue a proposed amendment. Every signatory will be allowed to speak out for or against the proposed amendment and, should a majority or the original signatory who issued the amendment deem it necessary, change the text of the proposed amendment until the time for a vote upon the amendment is called upon. At that point, every signatory will be allowed to vote either in Favor or Against the proposed amendment. A reasonable time frame must be given for other signatories to voice their opinions before a vote can be called. Any signatory that does not vote will not count in the total when determining a majority vote.
A two-thirds majority of votes in favor of the proposed amendment is required for it to become part of the overall treaty.
Ejection from Treaty
A vote can be called by any other signatory for immediate ejection from the treaty of any signatory of this treaty that violates the treaty’s basic requirements. If the vote passes with a two-thirds majority vote in the same fashion to a proposed amendment than the signatory’s name will be removed and the signatory must then gain a two-thirds majority vote from the signatories again to regain signatory status.
Signatories
Free Trade
Issac Malisse, Speaker of the Council, Greater Peoples Hegemony of Pilon
Victoria Sheshet, Secretary of State of the United States of Allanea
Mira Furlan, Chief diplomat on Mars, Abh Empire
Corporate
Malthus Cruonis, NCEO, Interspace and Undersea Salvage and Recycling Cooperative, Commonalitarianism Trade Representative