Ministry of Trade, Economy and Finance:Term Four

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Ministry of Trade, Economy and Finance

The president has dismissed me from this position because I don't think well of him.



Advisor on Finance --- Bram Borgman
Advisor on Trade and Economy --- Michael von Streusser (Now acting MTEF)

 

[von Streusser]

Mr. Liep,

Congratulations on your appointment to the MTEF, I am sure you will serve your country well.

If you ever have need of an advisor on practical matters of economics, business, or international trade I will be happy to offer my services. I have significant experience in business management and international corporations. I also have a number of business contacts in foreign countries and can serve as a trade ambassador of sorts should you ever require one, as I have traveled extensively and have a certain degree of similar experience and ability.

If you would like my services, I am willing to offer them to you.

Michael von Streusser

 

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Dear Minister Liep,

Though my tenure as the interim Minister of Immigration and Law Enforcement promises to be brief, I must report that our law enforcement authorities are grossly underfunded.

We can reform the law enforcement agencies and try to eliminate some waste, but ultimately we'll need to spend more.

I know that Eutopia's budget is out of balance, but I foresee a number of important new spending needs on the horizon.

It is the MTEF's role to examine the government's budget and finances. I know the ESRP has paid particular attention to this issue.

Can you advise us, or begin work on some recommendations, on the state of Eutopia's budget (OOC: See the budget threads) and what the government can do to correct the situation?

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Rev. Jack Teano
Interim MILE

 

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Thank you von Streusser, it's nice to know that I now have an advisor on trade and economics, thank you.

And to mr. Teano. I have been looking on the budget, and I must say that I too find it a bit "out of balance". But I will be looking on what needs more spending.. and maybe where we can save some.
Could I ask you for a short statement on the law enforcements?

 

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Originally posted by JohnLiep
Thank you von Streusser, it's nice to know that I now have an advisor on trade and economics, thank you.

And to mr. Teano. I have been looking on the budget, and I must say that I too find it a bit "out of balance". But I will be looking on what needs more spending.. and maybe where we can save some.
Could I ask you for a short statement on the law enforcements?

Certainly, it will take a bit of time but I shall try to prepare a comprehensive statement for you. If I am relieved of my duties by the proper MILE, Mr. Lundgren, I shall ask him to submit it in my absence.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue,

Jack Teano
Interim MILE

 

[von Streusser]

Originally posted by JohnLiep
Thank you von Streusser, it's nice to know that I now have an advisor on trade and economics, thank you.

My pleasure. If you ever need anything, just let me know.

 

[Bramarius]

Mr Minister,

since our budget shows an ever increasing gap in it, I suggest we raise state income. I have prepared the following bill for parliament, in which a sales tax of 6% on luxury goods is proposed. What do you think of it?

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Sales Tax Bill

1. All luxury goods in retail stores in Eutopia will be taxed with an additional 6%

2. Among Non-Luxury Goods: Food, Water, Electricity, Public Transport, others...

3. Among Luxury Goods: Electronics, Private Transport (including air travel, gasoline and car purchase), others...

4. Exception: No Sales Tax is applicable in Free Trade Zones

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Some more goods should probably be mentioned, but this is the general idea.

 

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I like the bill. It's sounds good.

Now let's hope it'll pass, we could use the money. I hope that everyone can see that.

 

[von Streusser]

If I may, minister...

I think before this bill has a chance of passing a far more thorough definition of luxury goods will be necessary. While obvious things will be easy, there could be goods that will walk the line somewhere between luxury and non-luxury, and we want to make sure such a law is not abused. Otherwise, I agree with you that this is a fine bill.

 

[Blade!]

*A group from New Lancaster arrives and asks the Minister if he intends to champion the airport expansion and bring it to Parliment or not*

 

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Minister Liep,

Here is a petition signed by many leading Eutopians for the creation of the airport.

As you know, Eutopia's economy is suffering from a down turn in the strength of our traditional industries. While we work to turn that situation around we need to promote new opportunities for job growth and economic expansion.

Travel and tourism is wonderful way to accomplish this. Eutopia's geographic location makes it an ideal tourist destination. We have beautiful mountains and a pristine coast. We have rich multi-cultural history. There is much to offer.

Of particular interest to myself and others is fostering better relations with India and the Asian democracies. Building this relationship with be greatly enhanced by the construction of this hub. Other nations are looking at similar foreign investments.

I believe that this is an imporant step for rebuilding the Eutopian economy and public works, such as this new airport construction, are important actions the government can engage to stimulate the economy and give a temporary boost to our construction, lumber, and aggregates industries.

Please consider moving on this project as soon as possible,

Jack Teano (OOC: and whatever dignitaries I can get away with adding to the petition).

 

[von Streusser]

Minister, allow me to second these ideas. The airport expansion is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss. By turning Eutopia into a popular tourist destination, we can generate new sources of revenue in the tourist industry. The expansion of the airport alone will create many new jobs just within the airport, construction, and transportation industries, as well as increase the available employment in tourism, invigorate our sagging local industries by making exporting a more viable option, and improve relations with other countries.

Plus, showing receptiveness to this proposal will make Eutopia a more inviting candidate for foreign investment, which is vital to our economy. Do not confuse foreign investment with a cultural imperialism or some other threat to our sovereignty, as it is no such thing. Foreign investment is simply an excellent way to boost our own economy and improve prospects for the working people of Eutopia by providing them with more jobs and a better economy.

I strongly recommend we push the airport expansion project to congress, Minister.

 

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von Streusser. Of course we will have to look through the luxury tax bill before sending it to parliament. I was simply saying that the idea was good. And it may, as you say, be difficult to come up with a list of what is luxury goods or not.

About the airport expansion. I have nothing against an expansion, because as some of you mention, it'll be a good opputunaty to decrease the unemployment rate, with new jobs both in the tourism sector and at the airport. And the foreign investment will also produce new jobs in Eutopia. Right?

But do we have the funds to do so?

[OOC: What should I do with that Blade reply? Was that Teano?]

 

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(OOC: Wasn't me, I just saw it and thought I should lend my supoprt before Blade! them into protestors and had them start throwing bricks at your office!

I think all you need to do is issue a "formal statement", even if it's not a firm commitment, just to let them know where you stand on this issue, if you support it, and what questions, if any, you have.)

 

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Has there been any formal work yet on the budget? I know this is an issue your party has been exploring.

If you are taking feedback or public comment on budgetary issues, please announce this and how you would like people to participate.

Thank you,

Jack Teano

 

[Estonianzulu]

Greetings. I am MP Konstantin Vilms, CRE. I have, recently, pushed through a bill authorizing a Gambling commission. I have come to the MTEF to ensure that this commission is set up, as I assume that it would fall under the Economy sector of our country.

Thank you for your time.

 

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[OOC: I'm new... should I set up the commision?]

 

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Originally posted by JohnLiep
[OOC: I'm new... should I set up the commision?]

[OOC: The Gambling Commission Bill didn't specify which Ministry would be responsible, so it's for the President to decide. ]

 

[Bramarius]

Mr Minister,

since our budget shows an ever increasing gap in it, I suggest we raise state income. I have prepared the following bill for parliament, in which a sales tax of 6% on luxury goods is proposed. What do you think of it?

-------------------------------------------------------
Sales Tax Bill

1. All luxury goods in retail stores in Eutopia will be taxed with an additional 6%

2. Among Non-Luxury Goods: Food & soft drinks, Water, Electricity, Public Transport, others...

3. Among Luxury Goods: Electronics, Private Transport (including air travel, gasoline and car purchase), all legal drugs (Tobacco, Alcohol, coffee), furniture, clothing, toys, other entertainment (cinema, amusement parks etc.), others...

4. Exception: No Sales Tax is applicable in Free Trade Zones

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Some more goods should probably be mentioned, but this is the general idea.

 

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I like the idea.
Could a commision to make the list of luxury goods be in order?