Mordusia

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As the nation's economy continues to make incremental steps towards positive growth, Federal Treasurer Daniel Allen is seeking to provide a much-needed boost to national economic development, throwing the weight of government investment behind infrastructure development in hopes of spurring economic growth. At the mid-year review of the national budget in the House of Representatives, the Treasurer announced that the government intends on spending more than 20 billion dollars in building an organised national highway and railway system over the coming decades. He explained that the use of infrastructure development for economic growth is a basic concept of Kodonomics, rooted in demand and supply economics. "The knock-on effect infrastructure has on the national economy is the primary reason it is often used by national governments in times of economic distress. Interest in infrastructure leads to the restart of the construction sector which in itself is made of numerous micro-sectors such as construction materials, expertise, etc. Treasurer Allen argues that the formation of an organised national highway and national railway system would allow for increased economic growth as the movement of persons between the states and territories would increase alongside the movement of goods and services. He added that such a plan would aid in contributing to the integration of the state economies. He explained: "Let's say you're a small-time miner in Trelodge, currently in order for your materials to be moved out of the state and into Coliwick, you'd have to either move material via ship (which would force you to sail through the Aldegar canal and to the eastern coast, which is more expensive) or move via regional roads which although shorter and less expensive, becomes complex/cumbersome due to the lack of connectivity among state road infrastructure. With a national highway system, the hours and costs associated with moving goods and services throughout the nation become dramatically cheaper/cost-effective." Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Marvin Hamilton stated that the federal government's target for road infrastructure was 35,000 km (21747 miles) by 5020, with the additional plans for 10,000 km (6,213 miles) of federally-funded state road infrastructure development to provide increased integration among states roads as the government seeks to create a seamless regional/state road network.

Apart from the National Highway System, the government has also set out on an ambitious programme to address Mordusia's drainage issues. For numerous decades, both the federal and state governments have grappled with the effects of flooding in low-lying areas. Although previous attempts had been made to address the issue via the construction of pumping systems aimed at pumping floodwater out to sea, Minister Hamilton has stated that since he had been appointed to the office he had been searching for a permanent solution, stating that kicking the ball further down the road will not stop the problem. It is for that reason a consulting firm was contracted to evaluate the drainage situation in Mordusia and make recommendations. One of the recommendations was for the construction of a canal system whereby water can be funnelled out to sea. It noted that a lack of drainage infrastructure bringing water from the inland regions to the coast was the underpinning of Mordusia's flooding issues. Minister Hamilton stated that the government had contracted local firms for the construction of a system of canals leading to the coast whereby water can flow outward from low-lying areas. Another recommendation of the consulting firm was the construction of man-made wetlands. It explains that the wetlands would act as sponges using sponge-like soils. Minister Hamilton explained that the areas pre-selected for the construction of the man-made wetlands crossed with the national highway system plans. He noted that in some cases, elevated roadways will have to be constructed. Requests for Proposals (RFP's) have been sent to companies in Lourenne with a specific focus on using the wetlands as a centre for biodiversity conservation. Federal Minister of the Environment and Tourism Hunter Morris stated that he was extremely interested in the project and its potential for promoting and protecting biodiversity in Mordusia. He noted that the Federal Department of Economic Development was working alongside the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport to make the aforementioned man-made wetlands EMA (Environmental Management Agency) protected wetlands.

Apart from highways and drainage works, the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport is also launching rolling maintenance and upgrade of existing road infrastructure. After years without proper maintenance county, roads and municipal roads are expected to receive a much-needed facelift through a 10 Billion dollar "micro-stimulus" to State Governments for road maintenance and upgrade. A feasibility study was launched by the Department on materials that can be used to develop roads to ensure longevity and lower maintenance. Apart from the road maintenance and upgrade, the Department is also launching its Safe Roads Initiative whereby it intends on building road infrastructure aimed at forcing safe driving through infrastructure. It also intends on operationalising the Mordusian Transportation Authority which will oversee national road infrastructure such as the National Highway System and will be the governing agency for the Safe Roads Initiative. Minister Hamilton stated that the Mordusian Transportation Authority will be working alongside the State Governments in operationalising the Safe Roads Initiative. Incoming Commissioner of the Mordusian Transportation Authority Bailey Clarke stated that he intends to ensure the Transportation Authority remains an extremely innovative and nimble organisation.

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Over the coming months, the Mordusian Army is set to conduct a "stress-test" of its existing equipment in what is being dubbed as the first major military exercise since its reformation underneath Chief of the Defence Staff General Logan McNeil (MA). According to statements from the Office of the Chief of the Defence Staff, Exercise Archer is aimed at (i) testing the concept developed by the Mordusian Army as it pertains to combined arms and (ii) allowing for soldiers to refamiliarise themselves with legacy equipment. Chief of the Army, Lt. General Liam Mussett, the Mordusian Army had been stressing the importance of a combined arms doctrine moving forward. He noted that the combined arms doctrine would see infantry units (primarily mechanized) working alongside armoured units (main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles) and support aircraft (helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft). He highlighted the fact that General McNeil's vision of the Mordusian Defence Force was one that was small but extremely combat effective. Lt. General Musset explained that the only way to achieve the degree of lethality General McNeil envisioned was through a combined arms approach. Speaking to the use of legacy equipment, Lt. General Musset noted that some of the equipment currently within the stocks of the MDF Reserves are capable of being utilised in the reformed structure. He explained that the Defence Procurement Administration had been in advanced discussions with the Federal Ministry of Defence in the procurement of new equipment. He hinted that the Mordusian Army could look completely different in the next 10-20 years amidst the reforms currently taking place. With mechanized infantry formations being the backbone of the Mordusian Army, it is expected that the procurement of newer, more capable armoured vehicles will be a priority for the Defence Procurement Administration. The exercise is expected to last for roughly a month according to officials from the Federal Ministry of Defence. A brief demonstration of some of the "mini-exercises" to take place underneath the larger umbrella of Exercise Archer was granted to media personnel. Troops of the 2nd Mechanised Infantry Brigade simulated an assault against any enemy position. During the assault infantry units (dismounted from their mechanized vehicles) swept through the formation with overwatch from the aforementioned mechanized vehicles and successfully cleared the enemy position before remounting. It is expected that as these exercises become more and more numerous the lethal sting of the Mordusian mechanized infantry units would be realised.

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Camdun's plans for the nation's largest renewable energy ecosystem are rapidly coming to fruition, with interest from numerous private sector developers on the rise amidst the attractiveness of the state government's offer. According to officials from the Government of Camdun, the state's renewable energy ecosystem programme is expected to generate 26,500 MW of renewable energy, around 30% of the state's current electricity consumption. Amidst the federal mandate which ordered the decommissioning of numerous coal and natural-gas powerplants throughout the country, Camdun's government has seized the opportunity to market the state as the new national leader in renewable energy development. State Minister of the Environment and Energy, Logan Wynter stated that Camdun's ambitions were to provide the other states with sufficient renewable energy as they make their transitions away from coal and natural gas. Earlier this month, a request for proposals had been sent out by the state government in search of a private sector entity willing to construct and operate a major solar farm in the western end of the state, with another RFP sent in search for entities willing to construct and operate a major offshore wind-farm off the state's south-eastern coast. Minister Wynter stated that interest in the project has skyrocketed as he noted that although the state government had expected a handful of proposals from the private sector, numerous companies have expressed interest in the prospect of building renewable energy farms throughout the nation. Premier of Camdun, Harvey Newman stated that the state government intends on choosing the most cost-effective proposal, noting that although interest in the projects is high, the pricetags many private sector entities are proposing are increasing. When asked as to why the state government is not seeking to involve public sector entities, Premier Newman stated that the state government maintains the idea that the role of the state government in the instance of providing renewable energy should remain in oversight and quality control. He explained that current laws allow for the state government to regulate the price at which renewable energy is sold and which subsidises already established on public utilities within the state, his government intends on continuing its role to ensure that the people of Camdun enjoy relatively low-energy costs in the coming decades/centuries. The solar and wind farm projects are expected to begin in the coming months as the government finalised the various agreements associated with the financing of the projects.

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Medium-sized microsystems development firm, Digital Instruments has announced that with assistance from the Government of Rimly, the company intends on opening the nation's first semiconductor plant and propelling Mordusia into the international semiconductor market. The announcement comes amidst the conclusion of an agreement between Digital Instruments and the Government of Rimly which would see the state government provide a grant to the company for partial ownership of the company's Rimly plant. Digital Instruments was founded ten (10) years ago by microarchitects Liam Blair and Aidan Wheaton after the two completed their postgraduate education at the University of Rimly. Since then the company has become increasingly active in the domestic microarchitecture and logic design markets, primarily producing computer architecture solutions for numerous companies within the defence industry such as Slipstream, Pennington-Reid and Asvald Gruppen Mordusia. In a press statement, the company stated that following interest on the part of both Blair and Wheaton to expand the company's operations into semiconductor manufacturing, the decision was made to approach the state government for financial support in exchange for a stake in the company's operations. At a joint press conference at the state government offices in Werring, Premier of Rimly Audrey Wenham and State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Investment Anthony Richards stated that the decision to fund the project and acquire a stake in the company's operations comes amidst increased interest on the part of the state government to diversify the local economy. Premier Wenham stated that with the federal government having signalled its commitment to a transformation of the national economy, Rimly's chances for a successful economic recovery/transformation would be based on its ability to take full advantage of emerging sectors such as electronics, light industry and services. The semiconductor plant, as mentioned prior would be the first of its kind in Mordusia and would push the nation into the international semiconductor manufacturing market. Market indicators note that the semiconductor industry is primarily driven by small-time manufactures with no major producer standing out. Federal Minister of Trade and Industry Mason Temple stated that he hopes that Mordusia could soon become a major player in the semiconductor manufacturing market as he states it could push the nation to new heights of innovation and economic development.

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Historically, the mining sector has played a major role not only in Trelodge's economic development but that of the entire nation. On the backs of coal, bauxite and mineral ore miners in Trelodge, Mordusia's economic growth remained steady for numerous decades allowing for the nation to skirt economic ruin. As the gear of the state and national economies begin to move once more, Trelodge's Government has announced its intention to revive the state's once-booming mining sector and position it for competition both regionally and internationally. An audit conducted by the Federal Audit Office (FAO), assets currently held by the Trelodge Government following the nationalisation of the state's mining sector is rapidly depreciating with numerous pieces of infrastructure becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and refurbish. The report states that with mining operations not active within the state, the more said assets remain inactive the faster they depreciate and the more difficult it becomes for private/public entities to restart said operations. Federal Minister for State-Owned Enterprises Christian Wright stated that following an assessment by the Department of Economic Development, the cost expected to restart medium to large scale mining operations in the state could cost the state government around 4 billion dollars and that it could be 5-6 years before the first mineral ores are extracted and refined. Recently elected Premier of Trelodge Zahra Richards stated that out-going Premier Tahlia Robertson had laid much of the groundwork in preparation for the eventual reviving of the state's mining sector. According to Richards, the Mining Revival Fund had been created with the very intention of funding the revitalisation of numerous mining assets held within the state government's control. The Mining Revival Fund was created in 4994 by then-State Treasurer Matthew Burt alongside Premier Robertson utilising royalties on existing mineral resources. With regard to the unsustainable nature of the state's current taxation regime, incoming State Treasurer Arthur Morgan has stated that he intends on amending the state's taxation regime for mining operations. He noted that his department is within advanced discussions on acquiring technical support from numerous taxation experts within the country including the incumbent Deputy Federal Treasurer Elizabeth Zimmerman, as prior to her ascent to politics was a territory tax leader for Leyman & Agnew.

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The Business, Science and Industrial Parks Company, a recently created statutory body responsible for governing over the state's future Industrial, Business and Science Parks has announced a strategic partnership with the Mordusian Investment Corporation that would see a 500 million dollars being poured into the construction of Coliwick's first major industrial park. The project, according to the Business, Science and Industrial Parks Company, is the second-largest infrastructural undertaking in the state's history. According to the CBSPI, the industrial park which is to cover around 2,500 hectares will be the industrial base of Coliwick's manufacturing and industrial restructuring. According to State Minister for Trade and Investment Owen Wheelwright, the proposed industrial park to be known as the Prestbury Industrial Estate will allow for Coliwick to begin the process of developing high quality manufactured products and leveraging its position in the global economy in the pursuit of becoming a major player in the areas of heavy industry, manufacturing and chemical production. State Minister Wheelwright who is the Line Minister for the Business, Science and Industrial Parks Company noted that the upgrade of the state's smaller industrial parks had become a major policy priority for his department since his appointment. He noted that although the aforementioned smaller industrial parks lacked scale when compared to the proposed Prestbury Industrial Estate, they possessed a unique potential in becoming "spores" or "branches" of the much larger aforementioned industrial park. He noted that the government had been in the process of drafting Coliwick's Industrial Strategy for the coming period and noted that the strategy called for the government to make strategic partnerships between the Business, Science and Industrial Parks Company and the private sector as it noted that the majority of the smaller owned parks are owned by players in the private sector and do not remain underneath the purview of the public sector company.

State Minister for Public Utilities Louis Johnston stated that once the federal government launches its 5G programme, the industrial estate will be able to benefit from 5G infrastructure. Minister Wheelwright noted that there was particular interest in making the proposed industrial estate and the smaller estates owned by the government prepared for Coliwick's thrust into the heavy industry and manufacturing sectors. With the Department of Public Utilities being the government department responsible for technology and its role in governance and the state economy, Minister Wheelwright believes that Coliwick can leverage its potential of becoming a significant player in the heavy industry and manufacturing industry. He noted that one of the key sectors the government was seeking to encourage was semiconductor/microprocessor development. The Minister noted that Coliwick and by extension Mordusia, can control a key stake in the global industry, throw strategic government investments into research and development and infrastructure. Although the plant has not formally been constructed, already some local manufacturing firms have been lining up for lucrative lots in the estate with heavy industry companies such as BSG, and the Kimberly Steel Corporation seeking to establish factories in the estate to fuel their growing manufacturing base. BSG has expressed its intention of constructing the nation's first ammonia plant in the Industrial Estate as the company moves to expand into the chemicals industry. Export Coliwick, the state's export facilitation organisation has stated that it welcomed the construction of the Industrial Park and subsequent government initiative to upgrade its smaller industrial parks to meet global standards and to prepare the state for its bold thrust into the heavy industry and manufacturing sectors.

I believe that the construction of the Prestbury Industrial Estate and the government's intention to upgrade the other industrial parks underneath the state's purview is a step in the right direction. It is a signal to manufacturers across Coliwick that the government is committed to facilitating their growth through strategic interventions and investments. It shows that the government is extremely confident in the direction it is taking the nation. Confidence means everything for potential investors and manufacturers. I am certain that the business community and various business associations, especially the Coliwick Chamber of Industry and Commerce would be excited to see the government pouring investment to ensure that Coliwick's manufacturing sector remains one of the underpinnings of our economic development.

[Drax]

KSC SELLING STEEL TO KANJOR

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In recognition of the government's thrust to continue to develop increased opportunities for Mordusian citizens, Attorney-General Arthur Galashiels introduced the "Cannabis Control Bill" with the aim of allowing for the commercialisation of cannabis cultivation. During his speech before the Senate, Attorney-General Galashiels noted that the government has decriminalised cannabis underneath former Attorney-General, Addison Wenham. Galashiels noted that underneath Wenham's reign in the Office of the Attorney-General, some 30,000 persons were released from prison/remand amidst the decision to decriminalise small procession. During her piloting of the motion to decriminalise small quantities, Attorney-General Wenham lamented that the government was aiming to free up space in the nation's prisons for more serious crimes and to allow for state and federal police to focus their resources on more pressing matters. Underneath the Wenham reforms, cannabis/marijuana possession amounting to around 90 grams would be decriminalised, with possession above the aforementioned quantity being viewed as too much for an individual to use and thus forcing the conclusion of trafficking. When hammered on the conclusion that possession above the aforementioned 90 grams would be considered trafficking and would be liable to a fine, Attorney-General Wenham reminded lawmakers that cannabis was not legal in multiple nations, and thus the government had to contemplate conflicts between Mordusian laws and the laws of other nations. According to Attorney-General Galashiels, possessions of Class A Drugs remain a criminal offence. He noted that the government remained extremely cautious as it pertaining to decriminalising Class A drugs, stating that further consultations with stakeholders such as the Federal Police, the various Prisons/Correctional authorities of the states and territories. He explained that the issue of beginning the process to look at decriminalising some Class A drugs isn't as easy as waltzing into the Federal Parliament with a Miscellaneous Provisions legislation and amending the law, but there was a need to ensure that everyone was on board with the concept and were aware of its effects/impact.

The Cannabis Control legislation as it stands allows for the cultivation, processing and subsequent sale of cannabis and cannabis-related products. It paves the path for the development/creation of a recreational market in Mordusia. The reforms as outlined in the legislation outlines that the government would establish an agency responsible for regulating the processing of products, establishing standards, issuing and revoking licenses and assisting the government in forming policy directions to ensure that the agency remains on top of modern developments in the global market. Attorney-General Galashiels lamented that although the government had no intention of placing individuals in prison for marijuana/cannabis possession, it was prepared to do so for persons who contradict the standards as established by the Cannabis Control Board. According to the legislation, the Cannabis Control Board would be responsible for:

(a) establishing standards for the cultivation, importation and exportation of cannabis and cannabis-related products.
(b) establishing a system of licenses through which persons and businesses must attain as a means of being in compliance with this legislation and its subordinate clauses.
(c) establishing and maintain an electronic tracking system to monitor the handling of raw cannabis products/materials.
(d) making provisions for the use and regulation of medicinal cannabis in healthcare.
(e) providing recommendations on policy to the central government.
(f) conducting inspections and other related enforcement to ensure compliance with licenses by handlers of cannabis and cannabis-related products.
(g) establishing requirement/conditions for licenses.

Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture Cameron Rigg noted that the commercialisation of cultivation allowed for numerous potential in terms of production and processing. He noted that various products can be produced from the processing of cannabis including Cannabis Oil, Cannabis Beverages, Cannabis Chocolates, Cannabis Dog Treats etc. He stated that in recognition of the fact that cannabis cultivators could potentially be discriminated against in the private sector in their search for lots to establish their processing facilities and also financing, Minister Rigg stated that the government had already begun an RFP (request for proposals) on the construction of four agro-processing plants throughout the country to allow for persons entering the cannabis cultivation and processing industry to have the facilities necessary to carry about their respective businesses. On the subject of financing for equipment, upgrades and other related matters, Minister Rigg stated that the Agricultural Development Bank had begun discussions with the banking firms in Mordusia on allowing for a weed cultivation grant scheme to be facilitated through the banks. Equipment grants and seedling grants would be handled primarily by the ADB and would not be subject to increased scrutiny beyond what those operating in other agricultural sectors such as the cultivation of cash crops, mariculture and aquaponics are already experiencing. Minister Rigg stated that he had a particular interest in bridging the numerous universities across the country and potential cannabis producers on research and development schemes. He noted that the universities could potentially allow for academic research to be conducted in new and emerging cannabis science. As it pertains to exports, Federal Minister of Trade and Industry Lisa Freitag stated that the Export-Import Bank of Mordusia would work tirelessly with cannabis producers on getting their products onto the international market and ensuring their quality be above the global average.

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With the intention of encouraging individuals and companies to pivot towards new and emerging technologies and establishing an enabling environment for business innovation and growth, State Minister for Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ryder Clare announced that soon a tax credit could be made available to micro, small and medium-sized companies to encourage said businesses to pivot towards utilising e-commerce platforms to enhance their businesses scope and reach. The Minister made the announcement at a seminar alongside the various business chambers throughout Rimly. According to the Department of Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the seminar focused primarily on laying out to the public both the government and the private sector’s joint vision on e-commerce in Rimly. According to the Minister, although the government had previously made attempts to enter the e-commerce environment as a service provider through the national postal service the Mordusian Postal Service, said plans had to be scrapped due to budgetary concerns and a lack of sufficient infrastructure by KeyPost to support the e-commerce platform envisioned by the government at the time. Instead, the government would allow for an enabling environment to encourage companies to (i) develop e-commerce solutions and (ii) encouraging companies to utilise locally developed e-commerce platforms. With the government’s digital transformation drive in an extremely advanced stage, businesses are being forced to move away from manual processes and drive towards digitisation. Speaking to the tax credit to be made available to MSMEs who develop e-commerce platforms and also those who utilise locally developed e-commerce platforms, State Treasurer Elijah Glenn stated that the tax credit would include companies who design and develop e-commerce platforms, companies who are involved in the maintenance/upkeep of the various security mechanisms behind e-commerce platforms and companies involved in the design and companies who utilise locally developed e-commerce platforms. Although discussions on e-payment platforms are ongoing, according to the Treasurer, very soon Rimly could have an extremely robust e-payments policy aimed at allowing for payments to be done alone outside of financial institutions. The Department of Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurship is currently in deep stakeholder consultations with both the State Attorney-General's Office and the Department of Communication and Digital Infrastructure in completing reforms to the state's Data Protection Act.

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Having stated its intention to transform Rimly into a major technological centre, it is important that the government recognised the value of an educated, technologically competent population. In almost any other territory where technology continues to be the driving force of the economy, the major underpinning of the education and moreso the skills of the population. It is through competent workforces that economies truly develop and maintain their momentum even in times of economic downturn. In the instances where the workforce must be retooled to fit the needs of the future economy, in many of these extra-regional territories are tens, if not hundreds of universities specifically established to provide the workforce with the skills needed to remain flexible. From Visual Arts Universities to Performing Arts Universities, they are all specifically suited to fit the needs of an advancing population. In recognising the aforementioned preamble it should be clear to many as to why Rimly so often lags behind its extra-regional partners in competition and other development rankings. Unlike many territories, Rimly does not possess specifically tailored universities ranging from economics to performing arts. These disciplines are instead amalgamated into a singular ecosystem known as the University of Rimly. "When it comes to leveraging our competitive advantages, we are at a disadvantage as it pertains to higher education," said Matilda Knight, State Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development. Unlike many territories, Rimly does not possess a technology college needed to transform its workforce into one of extreme technological competence; until now. On the backdrop of the government's intention to drive economic development through technology, the University of Rimly and one of the rising stars in Rimly's technology startup scene, Business Processes International are partnering to create a technology and innovation college to add to the government's commitment to transformation through technology.

UoR College of Science and Technology as it will be known will be constructed directly from funds made available from the University of Rimly with an initial financial subvention coming from BPI once the college opens its doors to students in the next 5 years amidst its completion. Acting President of the University of Rimly, Dr David Wilson has hailed the partnership as a significant step in the University's goal to become a genuinely ambidextrous university. State Minister Knight stated that the decision to create the college was a step in the right direction for the University. She stated that she had great intentions of reaching out to other territories in bringing the University of Rimly and other universities in the nation such as Luthori, Dorvik, Vanuku and Lourenne. Currently, the Department of Employment, Social Development and Families is conducting a manpower survey to determine the types of jobs needed for the future economy. An initial report entitled "The Future Workforce: A Manpower Report for the State of Rimly" highlighted the high demand for skilled persons with degrees in technology and mathematics. State Minister for Employment, Social Development and Families, Felix Mussett stated that the University of Rimly would have to dramatically increase both its intake and output as it pertains to domestic and international students and also degree programme graduates. Minister Mussett linked the nation's development to the capacity of its education system. He stated that no nation could genuinely unlock its potential when its educational institutions are being disadvantaged. "Rimly needs to unlock its full potential as a major player in the digital world. We must leverage our competitive advantages and use them to ensure that we remain an extremely agile and competent society," said State Minister for Communication and Digital Infrastructure, Liam Marshall.