News in Brief: Kalistan Nears Zero Growth
New opportunities for KalMD overseas; NC growth concerningKaliburg, Ananto
February 12, 4785Premier D'Arcy updates Republic after snap elections last fall on new Agenda in coming yearsEconomic NewsThe Kalistani consumer tech firm, KalMD is reportedly in negotiations with Endralon to begin cooperating with Hugamest Tech Group out of Endralon. Early reports of the talks include an opportunity for KalMD to open two new factories in Kobolmocs, one to produce cell phones and one to produce televisions and other sorts of consumer electronics. KalMD spokesperson Dianne Victorio said, "I am not sure if we are quite there yet on the deal, but it seems like they are interested in working with us, and so as I understand, we are now crossing the i's and dotting the t's, and things are looking positive for the deal." This is the first joint venture between KalMD and a foreign nation since the joint investment deal between KalMD and Lourenne's Manon-Maison corporation.
Fiscal News:The Finance Minister, Isabella Castillo, issued a report detailing Kalistani economic growth. In her executive summary, which was released to the press, she noted Kalistan's success at slowing economic growth to close to zero. "We are fulfilling the promises of the Current Government in bringing Kalistani growth under 1%," said Castillo. "Much to the chagrin of our liberals and many of the capitalists in this country, our economy is just barely outpacing population growth, and therefore, in real terms, we are yielding a positive 0.12 percent economic growth." The Finance Ministry in the past few years has been working diligently on re-establishing zero growth policies traditionally associated with Socialist Governments. When asked why Kalistan supports zero growth policies, the Minister felt the need to explain the policy. "Our ideological goal is to freeze prices, cap profits and eliminate the specilation, boom-bust cycle which is inherent in capitalism and which is plaguing other nations on Terra at the moment. Practically speaking, we do not have the legislative tools to do so: we are, after all, not a command economy. But at growth rates which keeps pace with population growth exactly, we can eliminate inflation in the market place and prevent wild swings in the business cycle, as well as look to important sectors like the environment, and ensure that we are producing for need, rather than for profit. Without a profit incentive, the productive capabilities wasted in redundancy and excessive overproduction are shut down and released for other, more productive pursuits, including innovation, research and development on existing products, and leisure." Kalistani socialists have long advocated for zero-growth policies and have assiduously protected national surpluses to protect against external commodity shocks. On the news that the Economy was nearing zero-growth, the Kalsie was ambivalent, ending the day up .01 percent on the index.
Foreign Affairs:News of a returning Northern Council has the foreign policy establishment troubled. Foreign Minister Uxue Etxeberri stated "The Northern Council is a hegemonic organization designed to spread across the globe. They have menaced Kalistan in the past, and though it is unclear what their aims are this time, we must be on guard for their ambitions in our corner of the globe." It would appear that Lourenne may be moving closer to the newly reformed NC, though recent civil strife in the major Cities of the Kingdom could possibly put a damper on the Kingdom's enthusiasm for the alliance. "We are, of course, concerned that our new friend in Lourenne, are being lured by the same old nonsense," said the Foreign Minister. "At the moment, the NC is still quite small, but should they begin their expansion into the Northern Anantonese Ocean, we would implore Lourenne to pick regional unity over global hegemony and help us to resist this foreign encroachment." The Foreign Minister also promised to revisit the Non-Aligned Movement Treaty as an option to stand against the NC, and looks to strengthening relations with Yingdala, both through the recently passed Go Association Treaty, as well as a new Fraternal Association with the Celestial Empire.
Go News:Vivian Jones, 2 Dan P (seated left) advances to top of Kalistani Go Rankings with Ananto win in JanuaryThe newest Kalistani National Champion, Vivian Jones, has advanced to 2 Dan P after winning the Ananto Sponsored Tournament in Go. She is now the top player in Kalistan and hopes to remain at the top of the rankings into the first Annual Honinbo Competition in 3 years. "Its a real honor to become the first female 2Dan in Kalistan," said Jones, "and to have won this tournament. The competition was excellent, and I hope to defend the title next year." Jones is only the third 2Dan P in Kalistan's fledgling Go scene, which has seen clubs beginning in Kaliburg, Sulari, Gendaris, Springfield, Vrassa City, and High Bong Neveras. "Hopefully, we can encourage more young people to pick up the game in the coming year, and I hope that Kalistan, when it finally ratifies the Treaty, puts together its National Tournament so We can compete there." Jones won her tournament 2-0, 2-0, and 2-1 and faced off against some very challenging competitors in Kaliburg. The
ratification of the treaty has been repeatedly delayed by elections, but is expected to pass at long last early this year.