NationStates Jolt Archive

Economic revival forecast as trade restrictions lifted

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On the docks, Naashan goods awaiting export.

Following a long anticipated National Assembly decision, Naashan borders are set to re-open for trade and international travel. Also to be lifted are limits on foreign investment in Naashan firms and strict limitations placed on foreign embassy and military staff on Naashan soil.

Originally imposed in an emergency bill during the aftermath of the invasion of Nova Europa by assorted world powers, the laws were placed to avert aggressive attention from the various factions eyeing the continent. Following military defeats in Nova Britannia and crushing naval losses, the domestic economy came close to collapse as unease stifled productivity and spending.

The ensuing recession and slump will be painful memories for decades to come, with the collapse of supermarket giant FrenCo perhaps one of the defining economic moments in this era of our history. Unemployment hit a record high at 18% while wage reduction in many sectors forced a cut in interest rate unlike any seen before in Naasha, bringing the financial sector to its knees.

The road to recovery has been a long and hard one, not helped in the least by the fragmentation of Nova Europa as regional powers and traditional allies turned to their own isolation. Since the general elections in March, Thomas Astern's Conservative Party has tested the path back to economic stability with tax cuts for businesses and government spending in areas such as defence and infrastructure, while protecting fragile domestic markets from the further destabilising effects of mass imports.

At this moment in time, the Naashan economy looks set to begin growing once more as the seeds of confidence return to the minds of consumer and investor alike. Astern's government has managed the return from the brink, but whether it can manage the pressures of rejoining the international community, be they economic, political or military, is yet to be seen.

One thing is for sure, even with the timid tortoise of Naasha just beginning to peek out from under its shell; with a population of 3.4 billion and a GDP of $86,346,220,350,000, Naasha is a very large tortoise.

Fredrick Yeates is an economic columnist for several national newspapers.

[Hey all, I'm back, if you remember me! This post is mainly to catch the attention of the old crowd, those of you who knew me, if you could throw me a telegram to let me know who's still active I'd appreciate it.

As for what to post here: declarations, articles, trade offers and such are welcome here from anyone, but no three line 'I invest in you, k?' posts please.]

Extract from N1.com

Prime Minister outlines new foreign and defence policies

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Standing beside Ministers at the National Assembly building in Fyrr, Surdun, today, Prime Minister Astern delivered his first public speech since the nation's borders re-opened to trade and international travel. Cued by a teleprompter, he covered issues such as defence spending, international relations and foreign policy in an address that will be analysed time and time again both by political opponents here and governments abroad.

Speaking at length and with great care, perhaps explaining the presence of the teleprompter, the Prime Minister set out a number of key points, listed below:
[Click each point for appropriate footage]


"As Naasha re-enters an uncertain world, an increase in defence spending will be necessary to ensure the safety of our borders and the effectiveness of our armed forces."

"This administration does not intend to bring war back to Naasha's borders, but military deployments elsewhere in the world are not out of the question. These will be handled with care, consideration and responsibility."

"This administration does not intend to trade, enter diplomacy or otherwise interact with states that fail to acknowledge basic human rights. While we understand that many of these nations have a degree of power in the world, action will be taken wherever possible to encourage governments of less developed nations to implement human rights and free representation, as well as to safeguard their people from harm."

"We find ourselves in the fortunate position of not being tied to any particular alliance, especially those that call upon their members to make war together. This government intends to steer clear of any obligation that would require Naasha to offer military support to a multitude of nations, while developing close ties with suitable allies, both old and new."


In-depth article to follow later, tune into our extended news programme at ten for the best analysis, expert opinions and more!

Adapted from the 12:00 news, broadcast live across Naasha.

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Kiravian Empire

Permissim Astrav Subleucim

Imperial Secriat of State

Returning States Office

The Kiravian Empire has, in the past, ejoyed friendly relations with Naasha, and welcome them back to the world stage.

We would like to begin trading with your merchants, as they are free to call upon our ports. Also, we are interested in the possibility of a nonagression pact betwixt us.

Display error for file:
[Standard obnoxious letterhead]

Thank you for your kind message, we look forward to developing further good relations with the Kiravian Empire. Your offer of a non-aggression pact is appreciated and accepted, while the Department of Commerce has taken note of your acceptance of Naashan vessels.

Sincerely,
George Grey,
Minister for Foreign Affairs.

From Dalataire Daily News, Sunday Sept. 7

Arthur J. Pearlman, staff writer.

Today Monarch Benard I took some time from the EDI conference to sign a new bill that would re-establish political and economic relations with Naasha, a former ally and trade partner from Nova Europa.
"Its good to think we may become friends again." he said to reporters present at the small assembly, "It brings me hope that in the future many other Nova European Nations may once again reform thier ties and open thier hearts and minds to each other once more."
"Its almost like finding an old freind at your doorstep." said Arch Minister Richard Long.

Naasha and Goldaron have not had open political relations since early 2008 when they both met mutual defeat on Nova Britannia at the hands of a Doomingsland lead invasion force. Despite the defeat Goldaron was one of the few allied nations to weather the fall of the NEA and fracture of Nova Europa with little suffering thanks in part to strong ties to the international community and the leadership of Benard I.

Extract from National Defence Weekly, an industry magazine:

MOD announces key missile contract will be open to foreign bidders

Ministry of Defence officials announced on thursday that the purchasing committee for the Advanced Long Range Air to Air Missile, or ALRAAM, will consider proposals from the international market as well as traditional contractors within Naasha. In a move criticised as "negligent, ignorant and irresponsible" by defence industry insiders, the committee has decided to consider up to five proposals from foreign bidders as well as two already listed bids from indigenous defence companies RavenTech and National Missile Systems (NMS).

"[the committee decision] is very disappointing, given the current economic circumstances," explains NMS Chief Richard Holden. "We have the technology to compete, but in this period of rapid economic recovery, particularly in the defence sector, we feel we cannot achieve the cost control necessary to outbid many foreign competitors. The contest is unfair."

Total employment in the defence sector, one of Naasha's largest industries, is expected to jump by 1.5-3% in this quarter as production is increased to meet new demand from the MOD. An expected upswing in the export of missile and targeting components is also likely to add to rampant growth in the sector as restrictions on the export of arms are clarified.

Paul Hayes, an industry consultant, says the blame for the decision should lie not at the door of the MOD, but of the National Assembly: "The Ministry of Defence is aware of the economic situation faced by almost all of its suppliers. To have effectively taken the contest away from national industries for the sake of free competition is no doubt down to leverage from higher government to comply with recent policies regarding free trade and opening of the borders."

Whatever the reason, the MOD decision has blown what is traditionally a two-horse race wide open into something that could set a dangerous precedent for future procurement. The purchasing committee has set back it's shortlisting deadline by two weeks in order to allow foreign bidders to consider their offers. Requested specifications were surprisingly short:


Maximum range exceeding 150km.
No escape zone of at least 60km vs. average conventional fighters.
Must be compatible with F-36 Gladius (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12169974&postcount=97), F-40 Bird of Prey (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12078638&postcount=76) and F-46 Razor (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12133336&postcount=89) aircraft currently in service with the Naashan Navy and Air Force.
Must be radar guided, with home-on-jam (HOJ) and anti-radiation targeting modes.
Must achieve a demonstratably high performance in a high countermeasures environment, including resistance to electronic warfare systems.

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