Hutori

National news threads that host the key national news outlets for each of the game’s countries.

Re: Hutori

Postby imperialpearl » Fri Nov 12, 2021 4:50 pm

    Image
As the armed forces undergo a major transformation of their organisational and operational integrity, it remains extremely important for the Hutorian Armed Forces to maintain its relationship with its historic global partners. More than 800 troops of the Hutorian Army joined their Dorvish counterparts in what has been dubbed as the first multinational military exercise for the Hutorian Army in centuries. Coined Exercise Archer, the exercise sought to rekindle and re-assess the interoperability of the Hutorian Army in terms of its synergising with the Dorvish Army. As the Hutorian Army has not participated in multinational operations for centuries, the nation's once-respected interoperability capabilities have waned. Prior to the relative collapse of the Hutorian Armed Forces, Hutori had hosted frequent military exercises with its Dorvish counterparts as both nations sought to enhance their abilities to work together. One of the Principal Architects behind the exercise, Lt.Col Jeremiah Price lamented that the reforms coming to the Armed Forces coupled with the nature of the exercise provided the Hutorian Army with the ability to determine whether the aforementioned reforms will be practical in the combat environment. "This exercise gives us an opportunity to determine whether the path we've taken as a branch of the Hutorian Armed Forces is truly something which could work." Lt.Col Price referenced the smaller units participating in the exercise, stating that the New Start Doctrine makes the case for smaller unit compositions from the squad level up to the division. Speaking to some of the riflemen present during the exercise, many stated that it was refreshing to see the Hutorian Army active in operations relating to its partners. "It was refreshing to hone in our Dundorfian without our Dorvish counterparts. The discipline of their troops is something many squads should strive for if we want to re-establish Hutori as a major military power." Cpt. Alexander Norris, 2nd Battalion, The Hermons. Two armoured companies also partook in the exercise as the LAV III and Puma IFVs of the Hutorian and Dorvish armies respectively conducted numerous manoeuvres including a simulated ambush of a convoy which forced a scenario whereby both the LAV III and Puma IFVs present during the exercise would have to work alongside infantry in fighting off the ambush and advancing towards a counter-attack. Lt.Col Price stated that once the reforms of the Hutorian Armed Forces are complete, he expects more exercises of this nature albeit with an enhanced scale.
imperialpearl
 
Posts: 945
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 8:22 pm

Re: Hutori

Postby imperialpearl » Tue Nov 16, 2021 10:59 am

    Image
With the government expressing its continued commitment to national economic development, the launch of the National Fibre Optic Policy strengthens its commitment to forcing the transformation of society through digital infrastructure instead of waiting for the private sector to sponsor innovation. As it is slowly becoming a major disruptor in the local IT industry, the federal government's plan to strengthen the domestic broadband through quality infrastructure and robust competition is beginning to take shape as Hutori's telecommunication regulator, the Office for Communication and Regulation reaffirms its commitment to the digital transformation project. It has granted numerous private telecommunications companies 4G LTE to offer greater broadband connectivity. It has been stated that of the numerous telecommunications companies operating in Hutori, only three (3) have met pre-existing standards required to gain access to the license—HLE Telecom, Miliband and the Dorvik-based Ebner AG. Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Dr Addison Williams, stated that the decision to begin the government's digital transformation drive through infrastructure comes as the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology estimates that internet penetration in Hutori was extremely low compared to other territories. In its decennial "Digital Penetration Report", it highlighted that internet penetration in Hutori stood at a miserable 70.7% while in nations such as Lourenne, Dorvik and Keymon, internet penetration stood at around 88%, 84& and 97% respectively. Minister Williams noted that for the digital transformation project to be a success the government is aiming to bring a larger percentage of the population into the digital age. She earmarked 80% internet penetration for Hutori during her term as Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.

Currently, there are discussions in the Cabinet on the continued liberalisation of the telecoms market in Hutori. According to Minister Williams, a cabinet sub-committee comprising of the Federal Minister of Trade and Industry, the Federal Minister of Labour, the Attorney-General and Federal Minister of Legal Affairs and Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, was established to determine whether liberalising the telecommunications market in Hutori (i.e. breaking HLE Telecom's statutory monopoly) and allowing for private telecoms companies to have a larger role in the market beyond the small 40% reserved for private telecommunications providers. It has been suggested that out of the liberalisation discussions are whispers of potential privatisation of HLE Telecom. Minister Williams noted that the government had incurred significant debt picking up for the budgetary shortfalls of the company, suggesting that a restricting of the company would be more realistic than wholesale privatisation. Federal Minister of Labour, Tyler Watson explained that the benefits of liberalisation were wide-reaching, from improving output growth to improving workforce productivity:
If Hutori were to liberalise the telecommunications market, the benefits to the national economy and customers were extremely vast. It has the potential to improve output growth, network expansion and labour productivity. But in recognising its benefits it is also important to recognise that the benefits can only be truly realised if the liberalisation process is executed correctly. In any task might it be transforming a company to transforming an economy, what it comes down to is how it is done. How the company handles its transformation or how a government handles the transformation of a national economy. It is my firm belief that competitive pressures will force many companies to become innovative. Many in the business community continue to view the government as this institution whereby they can wash away poor business decisions through a bailout, but many often forget that this government does not believe in market intervention for failing companies, especially those which do not provide essential services such as water and electricity. I expect that as we begin to unwrap our digital transformation plan, the Office for Communications and Regulation will become a much more powerful organisation than it is now as it would transition to be the market regulator for numerous private telecommunications companies.

Apart from releasing more and more licenses, the infrastructure development portion of the digital transformation project also entails fibre optics. The modernisation of the nation's landline/overhead infrastructure will accompany to programme. According to HLE Telecom, it intends on embarking on a programme of replacing miles of copper cabling with fibre optic cable. The new fibre optic cables to be rolled out by the company would allow for greater connectivity and allow for greater bandwidth with data transfers set to increase 300 fold. According to the company's corporate press office, the programme is expected to cost some 5.6 billion HLR. It has been stated that the roll-out of the fibre optics is a pre-cursor to the hopeful roll-out of 5G infrastructure. The company has envisioned Hutori as being the first nation to truly embrace 5G infrastructure through a series of strategic interventions from infrastructure to processes to education. Minister Williams stated that although Hutori has a long way to go for 5G infrastructure, she noted that the steps being taken to upgrade Hutori's IT infrastructure where the aforementioned strategic interventions in the lead up to 5G infrastructure. Associate Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Ayden Douglas stated that he had been given the strategic lead on the government's 5G infrastructure drive and was actively preparing to spearhead the programme once the National Fibre Optics Policy had been fully implemented and operationalised, working with provincial governments to achieve a digital nation.
imperialpearl
 
Posts: 945
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 8:22 pm

Re: Hutori

Postby imperialpearl » Tue Nov 16, 2021 11:13 am

    Image
As the government's digital transformation agenda continues, one of the last remaining frontiers for technological integration remains the public sector. For much of its administrative existence, the public sector has been known as one of the most inefficient and slow mechanisms of government, owing to its bureaucratic nature. For much of modern history, the time has been spent making a clear distinction between the private sector as the agile and modern sect of national society and the public sector as the slow and resistant to change. Although such a comparison can be drawn from any public vs private sector arrangement, in Hutori there is a mounting hunger to transform the public sector, leveraging existing technologies to enhance its speed, effectiveness and overall reach. The advent of artificial intelligence and machine learning is rapidly becoming a major boon for public administrators and change management professionals. Artificial intelligence, according to these professionals, allows for mundane tasks to be taken up by highly advanced programmes, thus allowing for humans to be shifted to other meaningful and far more important tasks/responsibilities. Although there are compelling arguments arising out of artificial intelligence and its integration into the public sector workplace in terms of its implications for labour, Minister of Public Administration Harrison Prince stated that when done correctly, artificial intelligence can transform the face of governance in Hutori. Establishing the clear distinction between artificial intelligence in a capitalist society and artificial intelligence in a socialist society, Minister Prince stated that AI born out of capitalist societies tend to ignore its implications for labour. He explained that in a capitalist society, AI's primary aim/goal is to enhance the profits of the employer/owner of the software, whereas, in a socialist society, AI's primary aim/goal is to reduce the workload on the employee/worker and to allow for them to focus on more important tasks. He raised the example of accounting. He noted that artificial intelligence in accounting would allow for increased productivity amount accountants, allowing for them to focus on far more important tasks which an AI software handles mundane tasks such as completing invoices, preparing accounts and tax returns and much more.

At a joint press conference alongside the Cabinet Secretary, Minister Prince stated that the Ministry of Public Administration would be utilising artificial intelligence in enhancing the work of the civil service. He noted that as the nation continued to experience labour shortages, it is becoming increasingly important to have the right people in the right positions. He explained that in many cases, innovative and enthusiastic minds within the civil service are often relegated to mandate desk jobs, compiling data and completing forms that could have otherwise been done by AI software. According to the Minister, said persons could be taken up from their desk jobs, retrained and placed into positions where manpower is required. "The government's digital transformation agenda is not limited to creating a data nation with respect to the digital economy, but it also includes the public sector. We are seeking to create a public sector capable of competing with, and in many cases out-competing the private sector." Requests for proposals for AI-based accounting, data entry and analysis, and numerous other software applications have gone out to firms both locally and internationally. Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Dr Addison Williams stated that there is more to come as it pertains to AI in Hutori, especially as it pertains to 5G infrastructure and the future of tech infrastructure in Hutori.
imperialpearl
 
Posts: 945
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 8:22 pm

Re: Hutori

Postby Rogue » Wed Nov 17, 2021 2:15 pm

Playing in:

Istapali
User avatar
Rogue
 
Posts: 4218
Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2018 12:11 pm

Re: Hutori

Postby imperialpearl » Thu Nov 18, 2021 10:46 am

    Image
Having been left to languish and become complacent amidst decades of caretaker governments, Hutori's domestic security apparatus has been eroded. The once extremely professional law enforcement and national security apparatus of the nation have been shells of their former selves, with many legacy departments slipping into obscurity and redundancy. Whilst the nation's ability to detect and combat instances of crime and terrorism eroded, criminal activity within the nation grew, becoming a challenge for the nation's already understaffed and underequipped Federal Police. The lack of an organised and effective plan to combat crime and transform the nation's domestic security outlook continues to loom over the new Labour Government. In recognition of the fact that sweeping the situation under the proverbial carpet will not solve the situation but will allow for it to continue its dangerously unfettered growth, Prime Minister Michael Granholm in one of his final major acts as Prime Minister ordered the formation of a trans-administrative committee to bring about holistic reforms to the numerous arms of law enforcement and intelligence within the nation to enhance their respective roles and abilities in combating crime and reducing the threat of terrorism within the nation. Speaking at a joint press conference at 24 Orange Avenue, the Prime Minister appointed members of the Justice and Home Affairs Council, stating that similar to other cabinet-appointed committees it shall be a collective of government ministers and the respective leaders of the numerous arms of law enforcement alongside policy experts which shall convene to provide recommendations and advice to the Prime Minister and the necessary actions to be taken to address numerous issues related to domestic security and law enforcement. The members of the committee include Federal Minister of Home Affairs Jack Perrin, Attorney-General and Federal Minister of Legal Affairs Katherine McLeod, Commissioner of the Hutorian Corrections Service Jameson Harris, Commissioner of the Hutorian Federal Police Matthew Bagshaw, Commissioner of the Royal Hutorian Frontier Police Robert Bond, Professor of Law Dr Bentley Baker, Professor of Public Sector Management Dr Joel Davidson and Professor of Law and National Security Dr Tilda Newman. The Prime Minister stated that the committee shall enjoy numerous powers including those to commission reports, request documents and the ability to form their own sub-committee in their work to transform the domestic security landscape within Hutori.

Chairing the committee shall be Federal Minister of Home Affairs Jack Perrin who stated that the committee intends on reviewing numerous pieces of legislation beginning with the legislation which spawned the formation of the Hutorian Federal Police. Minister Perrin stated that the committee had already provided recommendations to the Prime Minister on its first day of work based on previous reports commissioned by previous political administrations. One such report recommended that the Hutorian Federal Police to absorbed into the Royal Hutorian Frontier Police which when completed will be responsible for matters pertaining to federal law enforcement, investigating complex and serious organised crimes, providing protection to state officials, counter-terrorism alongside other responsibilities such as border security and immigration services. Although members of the committee, both Commissioners Bagshaw and Bond stated that they had no opposition to the proposal, stating that they view the combining of the agencies as a positive in terms of much-needed manpower and equipment. Minister Perrin explained that underneath previous administrations, significant attention had been paid towards ensuring the nation's borders were surveilled and protected and thus the Royal Hutorian Frontier Police had received a budget comparatively larger than the Federal Police even though the latter had more roles and responsibilities than the former. With the proposal to establish the Royal Hutorian Frontier Police as the nation's premier federal law enforcement agency, Minister Perrin stated that it will allow for the federal government to place significant resources into a singular entity instead of two, eliminating the balancing act in terms of budgeting for the needs of both agencies. Although for the RHFP and the HFP combining the agencies is expected to enhance efficiency, Dr Newman believes that for the Hutorian Security Intelligence Service, separating the agency's domestic and foreign intelligence disciplines is the preferred outcome for the agency's future. She noted that specific attention must now be focused on domestic threats and thus the concept of a catch-all intelligence agency handling disciplines including signal intelligence, counter-intelligence, domestic intelligence and foreign intelligence is unacceptable.

Dr Newman proposed the creation of three additional intelligence agencies within Hutori; the Hutorian Security Intelligence Organisation (HSIO) which will be responsible for domestic intelligence and counter-intelligence, the Government Communications Establishment (GCE) which will be responsible for signals intelligence and the Hutorian Secret Intelligence Service (HSIS) which will be responsible for foreign intelligence gathering. Incumbent HSIS Director Lisa Symons expressed concern for the proposal stating that it could potentially jeopardise the agency's ability to successfully conduct operations. Dr Newman retorted explaining that the HSIS's new role would be exclusively foreign intelligence, adding that it would be barred from operating within Hutori, with operations inside of Hutori being the responsibility of the HSIO. According to Newman, Director Symonds is potential averse to the idea of having to cooperate with other agencies to achieve a strategic objective, adding that a change of leadership within the HSIS is potentially needed. Perrin has stated that there is a possibility that Dr Newman could potentially head the Office of National Assessments which will be the overarching agency responsible for coordinating the efforts of the agencies of the intelligence committee and providing detailed intelligence reports to the Prime Minister and the National Security Council.
imperialpearl
 
Posts: 945
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 8:22 pm

Re: Hutori

Postby imperialpearl » Thu Nov 18, 2021 10:47 am

    Image
Having decommissioned the nation's legacy combat vessels, the Ministry of Defence has announced that it has greenlit the construction of a new variant of the legacy destroyers previously under the service of the Royal Hutorian Navy. According to the MoD, the procurement programme is a part of the government's wider Armed Forces Rearmament Programme (AFRP) and is expected the cost the federal government some 50 billion HLR over the period of 10 years to see the construction of at least eight (8) Series 200 Destroyers, fifteen (15) Series 300 Frigates and fifteen (15) Series 100 Frigates (previously Bekenial class). The ships are expected to be constructed in Hutori by the joint Luthorian-Hutorian shipbuilding firm Pennington-Reid. According to Chief of the Navy Vice-Admiral Sebastian Zimmer, the project would allow for the Royal Hutorian Navy to rebuild its capacity and capabilities in light of the federal government's decision to scrap legacy equipment. Vice-Admiral Zimmer stated that the Royal Hutorian Navy had solidified itself as the direct successor of the once prominent Luthorian Navy amidst the relative decline of the nation's standing in the international community. Although there are plans to potentially rebuild the nation's surface fleet to potentially include aircraft carriers, Vice-Admiral Zimmer stated that the nation had to virtually rebuild its navy from scratch, focusing on green water operations before it could contemplate the idea of blue water operations. "We have to find our footing once more and it is important to we start the process of becoming familiar with our equipment. We cannot thrust headfirst into operations under these new reforms. I have heard talk that we are considering the construction of an aircraft carrier, however that is furthest from the truth. For now, our operations remain within the constraints of these new vessels which we intend on introducing in the coming decades." Vice-Admiral Zimmer stated that although the designers were reintroducing legacy hull designs, the equipment and general purpose of these combatant vessels will be significantly different from their historic interactions. Advanced radar, fire control systems, and larger engines are some features expected to be added to the new ships as they are unveiled to the public. Vice-Admiral Zimmer stated that he hopes the Royal Hutorian Navy can rearm and reposition itself as a major player in the Keris/Macon Region and the wider northern hemisphere sometime in the not too distant future.
imperialpearl
 
Posts: 945
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 8:22 pm

Re: Hutori

Postby imperialpearl » Fri Nov 19, 2021 10:26 am

    Image
Against the backdrop of Hutori's economic recovery, the question of the nation's moves in the coming decades is yearning to be answered. With provincial governments having already outlined their respective economic agenda going into the next decade, there is a need for the federal government to address the general direction in which Hutori will be heading as a means of ensuring the respective provinces play pivotal roles in the nation's development. Earlier this morning, at a joint press conference at 24 Orange Avenue, Prime Minister Jack Perrin and Federal Minister of Planning and Development, Dr Aarav Singh announced Hutori's Digital Transformation Agenda going in the future. As the government ministry responsible for policy development and information technology, the Federal Ministry of Planning and Development will be responsible for guiding and implementing the digital transformation agenda alongside other ministries such as the Ministry of Public Administration. The Digital Transformation Agenda had been birthed out of deep consultations with numerous officials both in the public and private sectors and was crafted with the objective of pivoting Hutori towards becoming a completely digital nation. Grounded in the belief that the Federal Government should establish the foundation/standard for the digital revolution in Hutori, the proposed Digital Transformation Agenda focuses on numerous areas including economic growth, innovation and inclusion. The Ministry notes that concurrently, a significant percentage of Hutori's population is not digitally literate (i.e.) persons either don't have access to digital mediums or simply don't know how to operate simple digital mediums such as cellphones, computers and tablets. The Digital Transformation Agenda, according to the Ministry, also focuses on the public sector. It establishes a mandate for provincial governments to formally begin the "Digital Transformation" agenda in their respective governments. The general aim of digital transformation in the public sector is to ensure that (1) it remains modern and adaptable to new/emerging technologies and (2) there is a complete reduction in bureaucracy as processes that would have spanned across days, months and/or even years can be narrowed down to mere hours or minutes. Apart from this, it allows for administrative bodies to become more efficient in terms of data analytics (i.e.) allowing for data to become the foundation upon which decisions are made. The Digital Transformation Agenda outlines numerous measures aimed at transforming Hutori's digital landscape as it pertains to governance, infrastructure, education and the economy.

Image
Digital transformation in the public sector is not a minuscule issue as others might have it out to be. It encompasses business processes, millions of government documents, the culture of the public service employees and the ability for this public service to remain modern, aware and adaptable to new and emerging technologies. Minister Singh notes that prior that following an audit into the numerous "digital transformation" initiatives throughout the various government ministries, most if not all of the initiatives had been happening in silos. He explains: "Digital Transformation in the public sector cannot be centred only on the idea that a government ministry/department converts hardcopy documents into softcopy and uploads said documents onto a registry. Digital Transformation entails the digitisation of those documents for their application in numerous settings. Thus, the transformation also entails interoperability and how documents digitised from the Federal Ministries of Health and Social Development can be accessed and used by the Federal Ministry of Education and Culture without the need for multiple entries by citizens." The Minister notes that ensuring the public servants themselves are digitally competent is of extreme importance to the digital transformation process. Already, plans are underway for the government to begin the construction of a new public service academy that would allow for new disciplines to be gained by potential public service employees. Apart from this, it is expected that the digital transformation in the public service will see numerous processes brought online. From the renewal of passports to accessing medical records. Currently, government documents are being digitised and uploaded to the federal government's new central information depository where any government department/ministry may access government data based on a scale of authorisation.

Image
The shift towards embracing technology must be met with a wave of infrastructural upgrades. As people continue to utilise digital platforms in increasing frequency, there is an inherent need for connectivity as it pertains to internet connections. Whilst the question of liberalising the domestic telecommunications market to allow for greater involvement by private sector entities who could potentially drive the entire process of enhancing internet connectivity is one for consideration, Minister Singh notes that said process would have to be supervised by the Federal Government. The Digital Transformation Agenda notes that internet connectivity must be fast in order for it to be accessible in the eyes of the general public, explaining that slow internet connectivity is generally avoided by the general public and thus should be avoided by provincial governments. The Infrastructure question not only encompasses internet connectivity and speed but also pertains to the application of digital platforms in infrastructure. For example, the Federal Ministry of Planning and Development notes that port infrastructure in preparation for the future economy must integrate digital platforms such as 5G connectivity to enhance its efficiency and general operations. The Digital Transformation Agenda calls for the liberalisation of the domestic telecommunications market and the introduction of a federal supervisory authority responsible for issues such as consumer protection and the enforcement of standards. It also posits the introduction of a digital infrastructure investment fund which would allow for small/medium-sized businesses to receive funding to enhance their ability to fully exploit 4G/5G connectivity. It is expected that should the domestic telecommunications market be liberalised that the companies which come out of this process will be responsible for transforming telecommunication lines and other related infrastructure albeit with significant government assistance.

Image
The digital transformation agenda's focus on education and digital culture is primarily rooted in the objectives of ensuring education and technology can be blended to ensure better access/inclusive to education by students and that digital literacy lends way to a population which becomes more and more accepting of technology as a medium to improve efficiency, speed and inclusion. Federal Minister of Education and Culture, Reid Chambers notes that the internet is rapidly becoming the go-to medium for which students receive information. He explained that the increased reach of the internet, as it pertains to being able to obtain information that might not have been readily available prior to its inception, has allowed students to consume and deconstruct information at a faster pace. According to the Computer Society of Hutori, students who are digitally literate are more inclined to use their literacy for creative means, to communicate and bridge numerous divides. Digital literacy is becoming increasingly important to the modern economy as more and more employment opportunities are being combined with technology to allow for greater speed and ease of doing work. The Digital Transformation Agenda, as established by the Ministry of Planning and Development envisions a Hutorian population whose mindset is shifted entirely towards a complete embracing of technology. The Digital Transformation Agenda identifies numerous areas for government investment as new opportunities will present themselves. It calls for the federal government to make funding available to provincial governments to undergo a transformation of their respective education systems to allow for (1) schools to adopt new technologies (2) the retraining of teachers to utilise technological mediums to enhance the delivery of education and (3) schools to furnish students will digital applications such as tablets, e-books, electronic drawing pads and laptop computers. Minister Chambers notes that the Federal Government will convene a meeting of the various education ministers of the provincial governments on the Federal Education Curriculum, which according to the Minister will be advisory.
imperialpearl
 
Posts: 945
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 8:22 pm

Re: Hutori

Postby imperialpearl » Fri Nov 19, 2021 5:12 pm

    Image
With an eye on carving a sustainable path into the future, the recently re-elected Roccato's Labour Party Government has announced that its programme for reinvigorating and recalibrating the province's economy will be anchored in the green economy. The Green Economy, according to the World Congress, is a sustainable economy that provides increased inclusion, equity and improved human well-being while reducing society's impact on the natural environment. The Green Transformation, as it is being coined in the Roccato Government, will see a province-wide transformation of infrastructure, business processes and public administration/politics. In recognition of the inherent need for technical assistance and foreign direct investment to make such a transformation a possibility, earlier this morning, Provincial Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Trade, Jameson Bain opened the province's first trade office in the Lourennais city of Parmentier. Marc-Antoine Morissette, a native of Lourenne would head up the organisation as the Trade Representative in Parmentier. According to Minister Bain, the decision to establish a trade office in Parmentier, Lournene came amidst recognition of the fact that the nation was rapidly resolidifying its position as the global hub for renewable energy research and development and was a template for nations who seek to enter the green economy. Speaking at a reception dinner after the opening of the trade office, Minister Bain noted that the aim of the trade office was to reel in Lourennais foreign direct investment (FDI) into Roccato's economy. Apart from this, it will also act as a means of bridging the gap between Lourennais buyers and Roccato sellers, and vice-versa. Premier of Tasselstaat, Soren Brockhouse is expected to travel to Parmentier in the coming months where it is expected that he will conduct a series of meetings of Lourennais green energy firms with the intention of inviting said firms to establish their Keris/Macon regional offices in Roccato. As mentioned prior, technical assistance remains an extremely important factor in the establishment of the trade office in Parmentier. According to the Provincial Minister of Energy, the Environment and the Green Economy, Cole Marshall, it is expected that technical assistance on matters relating to the green economy can be sourced through the trade office in Parmentier. Premier Brockhouse stated that he hopes that the government's pivot towards the green economy would allow for opportunities and the formation of a new economy for Roccato.
imperialpearl
 
Posts: 945
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 8:22 pm

Re: Hutori

Postby imperialpearl » Fri Nov 19, 2021 6:50 pm

    Image
As the international community scrambles to respond to the developing situation in Vorona, more than 600,000+ persons have been displaced and around 10,000+ have already been killed in what has been described by many as the worst humanitarian crisis on the Dovanian continent since the Dovanian War. The use of chemical and biological weapons, indiscriminate bombings and reported human rights abuses against civilians continues to complicate the ever-evolving conflict for the major players of the international community. Having received condemnation from nations such as Lourenne, Dorvik and Deltaria, the putsch regime in Vorona has expressed its intention to see the conflict to its conclusion, evidently at the expense of human lives. With an eye on doing its part in resolving the untold suffering of the Voronan people, the Hutorian Government has decided to accept more than 300,000 refugees to be resettled in Hutori and granted permanent residency following integration. The announcement was made earlier this morning at the Cabinet Offices in Bekenial during a joint press conference between Minister of Foreign Affairs Jacinda Park and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Integration Justin Robinson following a cabinet briefing with the Prime Minister. The decision comes amidst concerns both from the Prime Minister and human rights organisations in Hutori has should the situation continue on its current path, the rate of displacement will increase, thus sending more voronan citizens in uncertainty. Minister Park stated that the Federal Government had come to an agreement with the provincial governments to the resettlement of the aforementioned 300,000 refugees. She explained that the Premier of the provinces had agreed to divide the refugees evenly among themselves, with 50,000 refugees being resettled in each province. Understanding the circumstances associated with encouraging people to present themselves at a consulate or associate embassy, the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Integration had prepared an online portal whereby asylum seekers can register themselves as refugees and obtain special airline tickets to arrive in Hutori whilst the Federal Government is sourcing assistance from the Lourennais Government. Minister Robinson stated that the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Integration intends on assisting provincial governments and local authorities on the welfare costs associated with the integration of refugees into the six provinces. Admitting that the process will be challenging for both provincial and federal authorities, the Minister promises to provide all support necessary both financial and technical in ensuring the process is seamless.
imperialpearl
 
Posts: 945
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 8:22 pm

Re: Hutori

Postby imperialpearl » Sat Nov 20, 2021 9:52 am

    Image
Having regard to the prospects of utilising the nation's developed sovereign wealth fund to aid in the nation's economic rebound, Federal Minister of Finance and the Treasury Harriet Kynes announced that a cabinet-appointed committee formed to make recommendations on the future of the Hutorian Sovereign Wealth Fund had concluded, that should the nation opt to dip into the Hutorian Sovereign Wealth Fund for budgetary assistance and other related matters, that the fund is restructured to allow for increased transparency, accountability and equity. Speaking at a post-EAC conference, Minister Kynes stated that the cabinet appointed committee had recommended that the Hutorian Sovereign Wealth Fund, Hutori's petrochemicals-based sovereign wealth fund and one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world be restructured, virtually decoupling the budgetary stabilisation aspect of the fund from the future investments side. For much of its history, the Hutorian Sovereign Wealth Fund has been primarily utilised in times of major economic crisis to assist the government in avoiding deficit spending. The fund was created in 4700 via the Hutorian Sovereign Wealth Fund Act, at the time Hutori's oil and natural gas sector had been experiencing a boom brought about by increased production by the then recently liberalised crude oil market. The fund was initially created to allow for the government to draw down from reserves to offset reduced revenue brought on by a decrease in the price of crude oil and its related fractions, and natural gas as the Hutorian economy was extremely dependent on revenues from crude oil and natural gas, and still is today. Minister Kynes argues that the Hutorian Sovereign Wealth Fund has to be broken up to preserve the fund aspect related to buffering economic hardship for future generations.
The decision to separate the fund has been one which has been on the table for decades. The thinking behind it is quite simple: One fund would be preserved for future generations. The other will allow for the government of the day to draw down reserves to bolster the national budget and offset deficits. In our current circumstance where our economy is in need of liquidity and investment, it is important that we be able to go big. We [the Government] have made it extremely clear that we intend on utilising expansionary fiscal policy to jumpstart the economy. Due to the fact that our main generator of foreign exchange, our petrochemical sector is in need of restructuring itself, it creates a situation whereby the government runs the risk of deficit spending and incurring large amounts of debt.

The restructuring of the fund would result in the future generation side of the fund being transformed into a body corporate to be known as the Hutorian Investment Corporation. Minister Kynes stated that although investment into foreign assets will not be discontinued, the corporation according to draft regulations, will be barred from investing in equity related to defence production, fossil fuels and any industry/company involved in human rights abuses (be it directly or indirectly). According to the Ministry of Public Administration in the instances where the government maintains shares in corporations (be in a majority capacity or a minority capacity), such a position would be transferred from the Minister of Public Administration (who acts as the corporate sole) to the Hutorian Investment Corporation. Much of the initial assets held by the corporation will be those currently within the possession of the Hutorian government, meaning that once operationalised, the Hutorian Investment Corporation will be responsible for managing the shares of the Hutorian government in numerous public and private corporations alongside its role as the holding company of the Future Investment Fund. John Erickson, former Chief Investment Officer of the Hutorian-Kazulian Banking Corporation (HKBC), has been appointed as the CEO of the Hutorian Investment Corporation. During an interview after his appointment as CEO, Mr Erickson stated that he intends on orienting the Hutorian Investment Corporation towards taking advantage of the growth being experienced in other nations as the foundation for the company's exploits beyond the Hutorian borders.
imperialpearl
 
Posts: 945
Joined: Sat Nov 21, 2020 8:22 pm

PreviousNext

Return to National News

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 28 guests

cron