Keymon

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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, Secretary for Commerce and Industry, Bandino de Alberinis 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 Secretary made the announcement at a seminar alongside the various business chambers throughout Keymon. According to the Department of Commerce and Industry, the seminar focused primarily on laying out to the public both the government and the private sector’s joint vision on e-commerce in Keymon. According to the Secretary, although the government had previously made attempts to enter the e-commerce environment as a service provider through the national postal service KeyPost, 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, Deputy Secretary for Finance and Economic Development, Lisette Dieulafoy 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 Deputy Secretary, very soon Keymon could have an extremely robust e-payments policy aimed at allowing for payments to be done alone outside of financial institutions. The Department of Commerce and Industry is currently in deep stakeholder consultations with both the Department of Justice and the Department of Economic Affairs and Communications in completing reforms to the Data Protection Act.

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The plight of small and medium-sized businesses has largely been ignored by successive governments as previous administrations focused primarily on the macroeconomic outlook of the economy, neglecting the microeconomic environment entirely. As small and medium-sized businesses continue to struggle amidst the new economic environment, Secretary for Commerce and Industry Bandino de Alberinis announced that the government had established an independent state-entity whose sole purpose shall be to foster growth in the business sector through financing arrangements, investment and in many cases consultancy/advice with a particular focus on small/medium-sized businesses. During his piloting of the Business Development Bank Act, Secretary de Alberinis noted that the Department of Commerce and Industry could no longer allow for the question of business development to remain confined to a directorate of the department but a new entity, independent of government interference must evolve to allow for small/medium-sized businesses to benefit from the same degrees of growth larger corporations saw under previous administrations. Secretary de Alberinis argued that the government must maintain a presence in the national economy, explaining that proponents of the free market economy are often those who are either backed by or a part of larger, more established corporations. “Persons who advocate for little government intervention into the national economy are often those who rail against assistance to businesses in times of national uncertainty. The government intends on maintaining its foothold in the national economy through the Business Development Bank and other entities to come.” During the Senate debate over the legislation, Independent Senator and development economist Catia Rossetti questioned whether the Business Development Bank would allow for persons operating in the informal economy to transition towards the formal economy as she noted the numerous attempts by previous administrations to rectify the issue of the informal economy. Secretary de Alberinis explained that the BDB would allow for businesses operating in the informal economy to transition towards the formal economy noting that numerous government reforms particularly electronic transactions and e-commerce had been rolled out and operationalised in an anticipation of the bill’s introduction to the National Assembly. “E-commerce platforms are allowing the informal economy to “formalize” and contribute to the growth of the wider economy. The Business Development Bank as the entity responsible for assisting small and medium-sized businesses to achieve sustainable growth moving into the new economy, will, of course, render considerable assistance to businesses in the informal economy as they remain an integral part of the government’s plan to eliminate the informal economy and allow for better paying, higher-quality jobs to be accessible to both nationals, migrants/refugees and naturalised migrants.

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Minister-President Dr Jacques Kirscht and Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Yves Mullenbach will arrive in the Malivian capital of Modalin in the next coming hours in what is being dubbed as his first state visit since becoming Minister-President and the SDP's first major foreign policy move since returning the halls of power in Münberg. Minister-President Kirscht and Secretary Mullenbach will be leading the nation's largest delegation of Keymonite businesses as the government seeks to export one of Keymon's premiere services: financial services. Dr Kirscht argues that Malivia's unbanked population was considerable large owing to the nation's socioeconomic troubles brought about by the nation's once brutal caste system. Present with the Minister-President's delegation was CEO of Credit Klavia Hias Zeller, CEO of the Keymon International Financial Centre Emmanuel Groben, CEO of FBM Michèle Hausemer and CEO of fintech startup Oculus Financial Fabrice Trausch. Minister-President will begin his tour of Modalin after which he is expected to meet Malivian President Pradesh Singh and Prime Minister Govind Sharma. It is important to note that the incumbents in both nations share similar philosophies on political governance, as both the SDP and MTS remain committed to the belief of technocracy and cabinet appointments based on technical expertise. Minister-President Kirscht stated that he is seeking to solidify Keymon's relationship with key nations on the Artanian continent. He explained that as the gears of the Keymonite economy continue to move once more, the government intends on taking up the mantle once more of transitioning the national economy towards exports, noting that the nation's size is not conducive to consumption-based economics. He stated that companies such as Credit Klavia and FBM represent the nation's strongest export product. When questioned on whether Keymon and Malivia would enter into a free trade agreement, Minister-President Kirscht stated that it was far too early within the diplomatic process to state whether a free trade agreement would be economically feasible, let alone beneficial to both nations. "Malivia's largely unbanked population allows for us to position ourselves as experienced providers of a much-needed service. However, as it pertains to a free trade agreement, I cannot speak to that at this point in time mainly due to the fact that it is too early in the diplomatic process to state whether such an idea would be feasible or beneficial to both our nations as we would want to maintain a surplus in trade."

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On the backdrop of the company's continued growth and hopes of becoming the dominant player in the global maritime logistics industry, MDS (Mad Dog Shipping) has announced its intention to construct a multi-billion dollar shipyard in Dorvik, with the aims of constructing a fleet of larger container vessels in response to increased global demand. As the engines of numerous developed and developing economies reignite, the demand for transnational shipping is on the rise. This presents a particular challenge for MDS as the company's current fleet tonnage is incapable of meeting demand, thus forcing many of its potential customers to seek business elsewhere. Following a high-level meeting with the Secretary for Commerce and Industry, the company announced that it had secured a $500 million KED loan from National Investment Company, for the construction of the company's first super-container shipyard. The decision to place the shipyard in Greater Kordusia, Dorvik had been made following an in-depth feasibility study and environmental impact assessment. With Dorvik well-positioned as an advanced industrialised nation and with a long history of shipbuilding, the company green-lit the shipyard's construction following numerous meetings with officials of the Dorvish Government. In a statement following the official penning of the agreement, CEO of MDS Gustav Hochstrasser stated that the company had contracted a local Dorvish firm to run the operations of the shipyard. He also explained that the company did not intend on constructing an additional shipyard in the eastern hemisphere, noting that the facility to be constructed in Dorvik will be upgraded for enhanced efficiency and productivity. The company intends on constructing a total of 20 super containers of the "Kordusia-class" vessels. It is expected that the majority of the workers to be employed by the shipyard will be people local to the Greater Kordusia region, as this had been one of the stipulations set out by the Dorvish Government. Speaking to the company's future plans, Chief Investment Officer John Diederich stated that the company intends on expanding its operations to serve Keymon's slowly developing LNG industry, as it says that its expansion into LNG could potentially allow for increased revenue.

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The Financial Regulatory Authority, the Keymonite body responsible for monitoring the financial services industry within Keymon has released its inaugural quinquennial report on the financial services sector and tax avoidance. Cindy Helminger, the FRA's Director-General unveils the contents of the sweeping report during a media conference at the FRA's headquarters in Münberg. The report entitled, "FSA Tax Havens Review", sought to provide policymakers with a clear understanding of the impact tax havens have on the wider global economy and to also highlight the importance of progressive corporation taxation reform. The methodology utilised by the FRA in determining which nations can be designated as tax havens were made on the rubric of whether the nation maintains a corporation tax rate of less than 15% and the presence of weak accountability in taxation collection. The report stated that the rationale behind reducing corporation tax rates below 15% is primarily driven by the idea of a knock-on effect whereby companies observe the nation's low corporation tax rate and transfer its operations to the said nation with the intention of registering the majority of its profits in said nations as a means of avoiding corporation tax in the company's original jurisdiction. The question of tax avoidance at the hands of corporations has been a long battle for the central government, former Minister of State for Tax Policy and Administration Lisette Dieulafoy stated back in 4933, stated that tax avoidance had been crippling government revenue streams. Director-General Helminger stated that following a decision of the cabinet, nations listed in the organisation's report will be blacklisted by both the Department of Finance and Economic Development and the Financial Regulatory Authority, with financial transactions originating from the listed nations being segregated from the transactions of nations, not on the list. Keymonite banks will be barred from establishing operations within the listed nations at the risk of hefty fines ranging from $1 Million KED to $500 Million KED. Ms Helminger stated that the FRA remains extremely concerned at the number of nations present on the list, stating that it does not include Dovanian states, which she suspects would be worse. Some of the nations present on the blacklist include Solentia, Vorona, Kalistan, Jelbania, etc.

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Noting the government's commitment towards ensuring the Keymon's green economy plays an increasing role in the nation's development, Secretary for Economic Affairs and Communications Dr Claudine Tissen has announced that the government is actively preparing for increased usage of electric vehicles in Keymon. Speaking at a seminar hosted by the University of Keymon's Climate Research Centre, the Secretary reaffirmed that the Keymonite government remains committed to environmental sustainability and environmental consciousness. Although electric vehicles have been in Keymon for centuries, there lacks sufficient infrastructure for them to be adopted by the public. According to the Department of Economic Affairs and Communications, of the 300+ petrol stations across Keymon, there are only 20 located at strategic locations across the nation compared to the thousands of ultra-fast electric vehicle charging stations scattered across Lourenne. Secretary Tissen is a part of a ministerial committee appointed to reform Keymon's green economy policy alongside Secretary of State for Energy and Energy Industries Wolfgang Krier and Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Erwin Grunder. During the committee's most recent meeting it was announced that the state-owned oil and natural gas company, Gasstrien would be the implementing agency/company responsible for rolling out electric vehicle charging stations. According to Secretary Krier, ING intends on rolling out electric vehicle charging stations at all of its service stations throughout Keymon. Lamenting that the government's plans to roll out more compressed natural gas (CNG) stations had been discontinued as public interest in the idea had been rapidly decreasing. Secretary Krier stated that instead, the government would continue to encourage the conversion of diesel trucks towards compressed natural gas. Secretary Tissen has stated that the Department of Economic Affairs and Communications is in deep consultations with the Department of Finance and Economic Development and the Department of Commerce and Industry on numerous incentives to encourage citizens to adopt electric vehicles. Cuts in taxes associated with the importation of vehicles are expected to be increased to incentivise the importation of foreign electric vehicles alongside a carbon tax on the industrial sector are among the numerous taxes and incentives on the table for discussion.

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The medium-sized microsystems development firm, Technologies International announced that with assistance from the Government of Keymon, the company intends on opening the nation's first semiconductor plant and propelling Keymon into the international semiconductor market. The announcement comes amidst the conclusion of an agreement between Technologies International and the Government of Keymon which would see the state government provide a grant to the company for partial ownership of the company's Oftzach plant. Technologies International was founded ten (10) years ago by microarchitects Benjamin Herzog and Nolan Grämer after the two completed their postgraduate education at the University of Keymon. 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 Keymun Waffenindustrie (KWI). In a press statement, the company stated that following interest on the part of both Herzog and Grämer to expand the company's operations into semiconductor manufacturing, the decision was made to approach the central government for financial support in exchange for a stake in the company's operations. At a joint press conference at the government offices in Münberg, Minister-President of Keymon Dr Jacques Kirscht and Secretary for Commerce and Industry Franklin Bütikofer 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. Minister-President Kirscht stated that with the federal government has signalled its commitment to a transformation of the national economy, Keymon'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 Keymon 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. Secretary Bütikofer stated that he hopes that Keymon 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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Herrington and Kirscht reopen Keymon-Pirland ferry

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The question of modernising the Keymon Defence Force remains an extremely important issue for the defence establishment. Between balancing cost-effectiveness and combat effectiveness, the Government has to ensure that it can develop a capable defence on a budget. At a press conference at the Department of National Defence, Secretary for National Defence Raymond Schauss announced that the government had entered into an agreement with Dorvish defence companies ADG (Artanian Defence Group), Theil-Hassel Technologies GmbH and Kasmetall AG on the acquisition of combat aircraft and armoured vehicles respectively. Director of the Office of Public Procurement Gustav Zumstein explained that having conducted deep consultations with ADG, the Government would seek to acquire the Unionfighter Typhoon (60), the ADG Tornado IDS (20) and the ADG 4400M (10). Director Zumstein explained that the aircraft to be procured were chosen primarily for their performance in previous global and regional conflicts. He noted that the Unionfighter and the Tornado were tried and tested aircraft, having been involved in numerous conflicts particularly those in Dovani and Artania. Newly appointed Chief of Defence, General Vitus Nussbaum (KAF) explained that the Keymon Air Force had to be modernised to formally begin patrolling the nation's airspace. He noted that concurrently, the Keymon Army had been responsible for aerospace defence through the use of ground-based radar. He added that because the Keymon Army had no capability to intercept aircraft, it makes their situation one based on the reasonableness of civilian and combatant aircraft to adhere to aerospace warnings. Having regard to their relative absence from their traditional responsibilities, Chief of the Air Force Lt. General Placidus Thalmann noted that the Keymon Air Force, being a relatively new institution, had undergone a process of deep administrative and operational training. He explained that advisers from the Dorvish Air Force had assisted them in general administration and operational planning whilst the Air Force was awaiting the acquisition of aircraft to apply its principles. Speaking to armoured vehicles, General Nussbaum noted that the Keymon Army had been gradually phasing out its older equipment and thus the acquisition of 80 Leopard 2a6 tanks, 100 Puma IFVs and support trucks. He explained that the Keymon Army's concept of mechanised infantry warfare remains the foundation of its operations and thus the aforementioned equipment acquisitions are only the beginning of a much larger procurement programme. According to Secretary Schauss, the government had set aside some 40 billion KED (over a 10-20 year period) for the acquisition of defence equipment.

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On the backdrop of the nation's re-engineered digital transformation agenda, Minister of Public Administration Edna Klossner announced that the Keymonite Government had entered into an agreement with the Government of Lourenne to host the nation's first "data vault". Minister Klossner made the announcement following high-level meetings with officials from within the Lourennais government, including Royal Minister of the Future Ivan Forchette and Royal Minister of International Affairs Louis Erard de Croissance. With Keymon's digital transformation agenda receiving much-needed attention through the recently re-established Ministry of Public Administration, the digital transformation agenda originally established by former Secretary for Public Administration and Digital Transformation Camilla Messa remains the primary blueprint for the nation's digital future. Minister Klossner has stated that although her ministry intends on making minor adjustments to the policy, many of the policies outlined in the document would remain the same. The concept of a "data-vault" was birthed out of an understanding of the importance of cyber-security in the era of digital transformation. Cybersecurity experts note that the instances where national governments make solid commitments to digital transformation, cybernetic attacks and their occurrences tend to increase in frequency as both state actors and non-state actors attempt to either hinder the progress of such plans or derail them entirely. Minister of State for Digital Transformation Benedicht Mumenthaler explained that the digitisation and digitalisation of government processes and the combination of said processes with private sector mechanisms had created terabytes of information and raw data which the government and private sector utilise to enhance service delivery and make informed decisions. Minister Mumenthaler argues that hosting such classes of data "in-house" or domestically would put significant strains on the government's ability to protect such information from cybernetic attacks. Thus data vaults were envisioned as a means of external storage agreements between the Government of Keymon and extra-regional partners on the storage of keymonite data in nations outside of the Seleyan region. Lourenne's physical digital infrastructure, coupled with its robust systems of accountability makes the nation a suitable host for Keymonite data. At a press conference held by the Ministry of Public Administration to discuss the specifics of the agreement, Minister Klossner stated that although Lourenne will host the nation's data via the data vault, the Lourennais Government and any other entity will not have access to said data, as the protection of said data would remain under the remit of the Cyber Security Management Centre and access to such information would remain under the remit of the Government of Keymon.