NationStates Jolt Archive

Give me Trade or give me Death

A resolution to reduce barriers to free trade and commerce.


Category: Free Trade
Strength: Strong
Proposed by: Ashiria

Description: It has come to my attention that free trade is not fully allowed between nations. Such ideals must be stopped in order for the Economy of all regions to grow. I propose that A new Free Trade Resolution that will both improve trade and the economy as a whole.

The highest regard off The Free Trade Resolution must of course be imports. There are many nations that dislike imports because it takes away from there own economical wealth. However, if it is exports they are then welcome to do so. I will have this changed that importations can only take place with exports of equal value. This way no one nation gains enormous wealth while their neighbors fall into a state poverty. The importation process will also be taken under the watch of the military. No items shall be imported or exported without due process, there by guaranteeing that “Bad Intentions” don’t bring about the ruin of us all.

The Next piece of concern is the matter of how trade is conducted. True many nations have cargo planes and ships to transport goods in and out of their own borders, however not all nations are this fortunate. I propose that and international trade organization be formed. The ITO would be responsible for transporting goods across all borders. Every nation will either give an annual duty to the ITO or donate vehicle to aid the ITO. With this in place, trade will be more proficient and timely. No longer will nations have to wait just for simple goods to arrive by trains or truck.

The last part is to determine the international standard price for goods of each their respected type of course. (I.E.- A pound of Sugar will be worth much less then a Pound of Gold). That is where my next organization comes into play. The International Checks and Balances Agency (ICBA). This organization will set reasonable prices for all goods going through the trade routes of the ITO. In addition, the ITO will get the full cooperation of each nation’s military to protect the trade routes and goods that are transported on them. Nations that disagree with these regulations can be subject to trade embargos and restrictions. However, the ITO and ICBA respectfully, would wish that peaceful and democratic means can be reached to settle any disputes that may and will arise.

Respectfully,
Ashiria
Trade Advisor for the Grand Lands of Grande


Approvals: 5 (Callyndoria, Chicken Head, Bloodmoon-Hyperion, Seven Star Republics, Momogapulco)

Status: Lacking Support (requires 143 more approvals)

Voting Ends: Thu Mar 4 2004

Please approve this so we can put this to a vote for the whole UN.

Respectfully,
Ashiria

We have strong reservations about 'free' trade and regard the absence from this proposal of any reference to fair trade as highly unfortunate. We hope not to see this reach quorum.

Vlad Taneev
Speaker for the Economy

The always kitschy but compulsively price watching nation of Berkylvania has grave reservations about this resolution. While free, equal and fair trade may be a noble goal, we are not convinced that this is the way to go about it.

Several points concern us. The first being the idea of the import/export process being "taken under the watch of the military." The question being, which military and what are the standards? We are uncomfortable, to say the least, with this proposed military oversight of our importation/exportation. Additionally, what about countries that are unable to match certain export/import value imbalances? Would they not lag behind more developed countries that are able to comply with your terms on a much higher scale?

Another point of concern is the establishment of a third party in charge of transportation of goods between nations. Where, exactly, is this ITO coming from, what are it's powers and where are the checks to it's authority? Evidently, we are simply expected to hand over our goods to some nebulous "goods transporter" in good faith that they will get where they are supposed to be going while also trusting that our imports will arrive in a similar manner. Additionally, what about our current shipping and transportation structures? The formation of the ITO will effectively put them out of business which leads to an increase in lost jobs and lower productivity.

Finally, a regularized international trade standard, while a good idea, is not necessarily so easily quantified. While it makes sense to assume that a pound of sugar is worth less than a pound of gold, if all your nation has is sugar, this certainly doesn't help even the playing field for you. Furthermore, we are uncomfortable with 'loaning' out our military to protect the trade routes of other nations.

In summary, while free trade is to be encouraged, the excessive 'good will' and 'military supervision' asked for in this proposal are troublesome and upsetting. Additionally, we are not clear as to how this proposal will truly establish an even playing field between all nations, both advanced and developing. Therefore, we sincerely hope that, unless it undergoes major revision, this proposal does not reach quorum.