Minoa's Free Trade Project - RIMT (doors wide OPEN)

[Charlotte Ryberg]

Capital of Antjepolis

The Seigneur of Minoa and the Chief Governor of Charlotte Island, which makes up this country, has advised the Foreign Office to establish its own free trade bloc in the interests of reducing barriers to the economy, the reduction of poverty, and technological progress. The Ryberg Institute of Mutual Trade is hereby established for all interested parties for a mutual free trade agreement between participating nations. Participants are advised to ensure products traded are of good standard so people don't get hurt or ill using them. Also, promoting democracy and human rights are recommended.

Member states trading with Minoa (Charlotte Ryberg) shall comply with the import restrictions and constitutional ban against Nazism (also known as German National Socialism) and the Church of Scientology (under Section 86 of the Charter of Minoa - however, it doesn't mean they have to be banned in your country.)

Inspired by the World Assembly, we are thinking of roleplay our own resolutions to standardise free trade standards independent of the WA: RIMT resolutions would be entirely at roleplay level and don't affect WA members. For now though, there is the constitution:

The basic purpose of the Institute shall be to promote free trade between members of the Institute;

A. General Trade Agreement:
1. Member states will refrain from employing prohibitive tariffs of any kind for or against member states;
2. In turn, member states will also refrain from employing preferential subsidies for or against member states;

B. Product Safety:
1. Member states are encouraged to establish appropriate product safety standards for goods traded within the RIMT, so as to reduce the risk of injury to consumers;
2. Member states are also encouraged to establish appropriate food safety standards for foodstuffs traded within the RIMT, so as to reduce the risk of consumers falling ill or even dying:
a) For vehicle safety standards, the equivalent of EuroNCAP 4-star is the minimum;
3. Member states should generally promote free trade and the reduction of prohibitive tariffs or preferential subsidies for or against trading partners;
4. Member states shall remain free to inspect or turn away products suspected of not meeting their national product or food safety standards;

C. Reduction of trade barriers:
1. Where necessary, member states may agree to trade essential commodities and goods at a discounted rate within the entire union; this should be agreed on by the majority of member states, each having one vote each;

D. Ethical Trading:
1. Member states will not engage in slavery or the slave trade for any reason: member states will agree to outlaw slavery and the slave trade in their jurisdiction;
2. Member states trading with Minoa (Charlotte Ryberg) shall comply with the import restrictions and constitutional ban against Nazism (also known as German National Socialism) and the Church of Scientology (under Section 86 of the Charter of Minoa, it doesn't mean they have to be banned in your country)
3. Member states are encouraged to embrace the ideals of democracy and human rights;
4. Member states are encouraged to abolish or reduce prohibitive tariffs for products produced under the fair trade principle;
5. Member states are urged to restrict the use of sanctions against each other for the purpose of the prevention or boycott of war, or the boycott of human rights abuses.

E. Governance:
1. The Institute shall be governed by the Council of the Institute, which shall consist of 24 elected persons from member states: All member states are entitled to be represented in the Council. The numbers of this council will vary with the number of members of the Institute. If the number of members of the Institute exceed 24, then the number on the Governing Council will vary likewise;
2. Once every fortnight, a member of the council shall take in turns to act as the President of the Institute. The election of the President is determined by the votes of the members of the council, each having one vote each;
3. Elections for the Council of the Institute takes place every six months. The election of the Council is determined by the votes of member states, each having one vote each;
4. Future treaties or amendments shall be enacted only by the majority agreement of the members of the Council, each member having one vote each. All member states are entitled to submit a proposal.

Suggestions for new clauses may be freely posted in this thread.

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Coming soon: Minoa and Knootoss are currently formulating the next generation of the free trade project right here !!!

Application form (beta)

Code: Select all

Short name of country (NS or RP):
Region or Continent (doesn't always have to be the NS region you are residing in):
Nominated representative(s):
Central Bank/Monetary Authority (the one that issues banknotes or sets interests rates, etc.):
Is your country a member of the UN/WA?:
What is your dominant or most thriving industry? (doesn't have to be what the NS page says if you RP a different or better industry):
What is the current ideology and type of government in your country?:
Is slavery abolished in your country or is slavery being abolished within the next 12 months?:
Does your country have product/food safety standards legislation? (feel free to describe):


Glossary:
Tariffs: a tax on imports from another nation
Subsidy: specific government assistance instituted with the intention of giving a particular industry advantage over others, or a national industry over overseas.

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Members of the Institute
Old format - Nation name (Representative), their major Industry and Central Bank:
New format - Nation name with link to application (Representative), their services (on GE&T) and more info:

The oldest application forms used to be as simple as saying "we're in". They can be updated as with all forms but the membership secretary needs to be informed.

1. Castigonia
2. Greater Rhodes - Information Technology, Financial Services, and Tourism - Bank of Rhodes
3. Manticore Reborn
4. La Serenissima (Of the Quendi) - Pharmaceuticals, Green Technology, Finance and Information Technology.
5. Sanctaria (Deputy Irving Manson) - Book Publishing, Auto Industry and Oil Refining
6. East Klent (Nathaniel Morris Halloway) - Book Publishing, Tourism and Arms Manufacturing
7. Anagonia-Yohannes (Akbar Tanjung) - Finance & Banking, Arms Manufacturing - Yohannesische Bundesbank
8. Slakonian (William Josenhauf and Henric Fellister)
9. The Floor Kippers (Harold Troughton) - Agricultural and Manufacturing
10. (The Liberated Thinkspace of) Ossitania (Mark Friedberg) - Monazite mining and lutetium ore extraction
11. Frenequesta (Godfrey Wright) - Genetic and Environmental Technologies
12. Makaar (Dr. Terrence Young) - Information Technology
13. Serpensa (Jacob Hoffman) - Technological and Arms Development (PMT)
14. Astholm (Simon Oxlade-Whitton) - Automobile industry and traffic signs/markings design/road-building
15. Hahklallah (Joesef Chesnokov) - Arms Manufacturing, Uranium/Copper Mining
16. Siberian_Peoples (Valentin Ivanovich) - Natural Resources and Minerals
17. Rupudska (Anton Luzhkov) - Automobile Manufacturing - Yuzhvorot National Bank
18. Phing Phong (Phraya Vung Ly) - Shipbuilding, InformationTechnology, Aluminium - Phing Phong People's Bank
19. Los Estados del Sol (Julietta Sanchez-Cruz) - Uranium, Insurance, Automotive Manufacturing - Banco Central de Los Estados del Sol
20. Vitaphone Racing (Hon. Jacob Phat) - Mechanical, Aerospace & Naval Engineering - Central Bank of Vitaphone Racing
21. Latnya (Leon Wei ) - Oil, Precious Metals - United National
22. Noordeinde (Ms. Elena Dalton and Mr. Tom Jones) - Air Travel, Information Technology, Tourism. - His Royal Noordeindian Majesty's Central Bank
23. UnitedBank Inc (CEO Finbar Curtin) - UnitedBank Inc - UnitedBank
24. Free Tristania (K.L (Karin) de Wit) - Transportation, Tourism, Agriculture, Mining - National Bank of Free Tristania
25. Jbeili Republic (Jbeil) (Faris Khoury) - Telecommunications - Banque De Jbeil
26. Globexanter (Michael P. Anderson) - Mining/Resource Industry and Weapons - The International Main Bank
27. British Kuwait (Wesely Marwick) - Mining, agricultural exports, tourism, and information technology - Bank of British Kuwait
28. Panmen (Mary Perez) - Medical Research, Green Technology, Information Technology, and consumer electronics - The Bank of Panmen
29. Dystopianus (Citizen #34) - Arms manafacturing, Information technology, aircraft manafacturing - Arelia Central Bank, Minervia
30. South East Europe (Senator Joseph Solomon) - Technology - National Bank of Linistea
31. Knootoss (Marthinus Wortendyke) - Economic Info - Knootian Central Bank
32. San Pellegrino Romana (His Excellency Francesco de' Pazzi) - Oil, natural resources, information technology, arms manufacturing, automobiles, electronics. - The Bank of Rome
33. Oceanic Vakiadia
34. Herador
35. Kubrath (Nikolay Surchedzhiev) - Honey - Kubrath National Bank
36. Costa Fiero
37. San Romiatius ((Don) Ricardo Villarigoza) - Banking, Tourism, and Agriculture (Wine, Herding, and Cheese) - Banca Romana
38. New Edom (Randall Fabian) - Oil, tourism, manufacturing - National Bank of New Edom
39. Royal Calathonia (The Right Honorable Lord Robert Morris) - Manufacturing, specifically automobiles and electronics - Imperial Treasury of Royal Calathonia
40. Robsonien (Maaka Taupo) - Tourism , Tropical plants for Medical health, Air cushions Travel shipping company - The National Bank of Robsonien
41. Chulainan (Dr. James Sheen) - Gambling, Tourism and Book Publishing - The Chulainan Financial Authority
42. Elmstrapha (Hurra (King) Alexander) - Mining - The Bank of ELMstrapha
43. Bellganamos (Julia Terroni) - Environmental products (fuel cells), capital goods (primarily electronics, computer products) - Federal Bank of Bellganamos
44. Secunderabad (A. A. Khan) - Arms manufacturing, textiles - Royal Bank of Secunderabad
45. Estovakiva (Natasha Petrov) - Arms-manufacturing - The Federal Estovakivan National-Bank
46. Yasashii (Mme. Sachiko Kodama) - Automobile R&D and Manufacturing; Medical Hardware; Computer and Information Technology - Central Monetary Authority
47. Oiseaui (Minister of Finance Uilliam Sakari & Minister of Foreign Affairs Xavier Alberic) - Information Technology, Oiseauian Cuisine & Beverages (primarily Wine & Whiskey), Arms Manufacturing - Treasury of Oiseaui
48. UFSA (Amacia) (Julius Castus) - IT - none, Free Banking regime
49. Yugal (undecided) IT, and fashion production - Jiro
50. Aldarminia (Consul of Diplomacy Ivenkhol Stochtingrod) Arms Manufacturing, Land Development, Private Security, and Energy(Fossil Fuels and Nuclear) - Imperial Treasury
51. Hakkoi (Carta in IRC) (Hi-xiang Takawashunobi)- Various Exports, notably agriculture, seafood, and electronics - Port Chik'chu Financial Authority
52. Capisaria (Matthew King, Albaric Pond)- Tourism and Railways - Capisarian National Bank
53. Noravea (Jeremy Parish)- Food/Commercial Goods - (Central bank unknown)
54. Unified States of Daemyrs (Alex Harvey) - Arms Manufacturing; Automotive manufacturing; Insurance - Daemyrs Department of the Treasury
55. The Anglo-Libertarian Republic (Thomas Mark-Lee, James Kirkland) - Information Technology and Service industries - (currency markets privatised)
56. Kington Langley (Henry Cunningham) - Service industry - Bank of Kington Langley
57. Central and Eastern Visayas (Darius Jefferson Lobetos, M.B.A.) - Domestic Small Arms Manufacturing, Information Technology, Tourism, and Domestic Book Publishing - The Federal Bank of Central and Eastern Visayas (Constitutionally proscribed in this case means they've banned slavery under the constitution.
58. Walrusfolk Eurarcta (The Lesser Walrus)
59. Marcheria (Dr. Malthus Savarese)
60. Libereco en Azio (No representative yet) - furniture restoration, wood chip exports, and uranium mining - Central bank unconfirmed
61. The Sigvardian Kingdom (Herr Henrik Oppgard) - Rare Earth Element mining; oil/gas/fuel production - Royal Silver Authority
    
    Active and new members since 2015
    
62. Minoa (Democratic Republic) (Sofija Ozolins) - Minoan Monetary Authority
63. Minoa (Charlotte Ryberg) (John Nathan) - Minoan Monetary Authority
64. Itailian Maifias (Azeglio Toscano) - Arms Manufacturing and Mining
65. Bari (Pius de Rico Monte) - Information technology and arms manufacturing - The Governor and Company of the Bank of Bari
66. YellowApple (Amethyst Star) - Aerospace technologies, carbon materials manufacturing - YellowApple Department of Taxation and Revenue
67. Maltropia (Máirín O' Rourke) - IT and naval vessels - The Bank of the Maltropian Crown
68. Zunkwentania (Cyrus Stone) - Science, aerospace, and cleantech - Central Bank of Zunkwentania

Common Currency project:
The Ryberg is expected to be proposed as a voluntary common currency.

Nations interested in the rotating presidency:

• Minoa
• Itailian Maifias
• Phing Phong
• East Klent

Thank you.

Proposed make-up of the Council of the Institute:

• President (Manages the assembly, mantains order during sessions, and helps with the duties of all other Supreme Council Positions)
• Vice President (Assumes Rights of Chair if the Chair Nation resigns, ceases to exist, etc. Also manages the assembly as the chair does)
• Probably some advisory roles too...

[Of the Quendi]

To: The Mind of Charlotte Ryberg
From: La Serenissima

The Most Serene Republic of the Quendi would love to join the Ryberg Institute of Mutual Trade. We however have some concerns about requirement 3a.

Sincerely
HIHG Prince Arthas Alcedina
Senior Minister of Financials and the Treasury (SMFT)
The Most Serene Republic of the Quendi

[Manticore Reborn]

To: The Mind of Charlotte Ryberg
From: Mr. T. D. Nicoton, Economic Attaché to The Mind of Charlotte Ryberg

I wish to inform you that my government is intrigued by the idea presented in the Ryberg Institute of Mutual Trade. However, my government is concerned by the wording of article 3a. We agree that peaceful resolution to conflicts between nations are to be sought; however, my government cannot accept the constraints upon its' ability to defend itself and its' interests that this clause contains.

Unless changes to the establishment articles can be done, my government would unfortunately not be able to join. We would therefore request that either changes to the clause be made or request an observer status.

Sincerely,

T.D. Nicoton
Kingdom of Manticore Reborn

[Charlotte Ryberg]

To: The Mind of Charlotte Ryberg
From: La Serenissima

The Most Serene Republic of the Quendi would love to join the Ryberg Institute of Mutual Trade. We however have some concerns about requirement 3a.

Sincerely
HIHG Prince Arthas Alcedina
Senior Minister of Financials and the Treasury (SMFT)
The Most Serene Republic of the Quendi

Accepted. Our first debate is to revise clause 3a. Could you please elaborate on the issue or propose suggestions so I can make the necessary adjustments? Thanks.

Provisional revision: 3a. Member states should try their best to seek a peaceful resolution to conflicts between nations;

Yours sincerely,
John Nathan
For the Seigneur of Minoa and the Chief Governor of Charlotte Island in the Mind of Charlotte Ryberg.

[Manticore Reborn]

The government of the Kingdom of Manticore Reborn wonders if the clause is even needed under the reasonable nation theory?

[Charlotte Ryberg]

The government of the Kingdom of Manticore Reborn wonders if the clause is even needed under the reasonable nation theory?

Okay, We'll remove the clause: what do you think?

(OOC: Charlotte Ryberg is relatively new to GE&T and how it works)

[Masumene]

ToThe Mind of Charlotte Ryberg

The Empire of Masumene would be interested in joining the RIMT, As a nation that runs their economy off of exportation of our resources a new trade agreement and group is usually beneficial to our economy. We agree to all articles of the agreement. As a small nation and generally peaceful nation we do not like conflicts among ourselves and others, it is detrimental to our trade. We would like to know when the date of the first meeting among member states will take place.

- Nolik Tarvamere
Head of Foreign Affairs and Trade

[Itailian Maifias]

Itailian Maifias would also be interested in joining the RIMT, provided 3a is removed

[Masumene]

Itailian Maifias would also be interested in joining the RIMT, provided 3a is removed

Clause 3a was just officially removed I believe, which is good as Masumene tends to pull a lot of wealth from wars to the north

[Manticore Reborn]

The Kingdom of Manticore Reborn is pleased with the current status of the charter and officially seeks entry into the Ryberg Institute of Mutual Trade.

T.D. Nicoton
Economic Attaché to The Mind of Charlotte Ryberg
Kingdom of Manticore Reborn

[Itailian Maifias]

Itailian Maifias would also be interested in joining the RIMT, provided 3a is removed

Clause 3a was just officially removed I believe, which is good as Masumene tends to pull a lot of wealth from wars to the north

Then we are in

[Charlotte Ryberg]

We are delighted to accept and welcome the first members into the institute.

ToThe Mind of Charlotte Ryberg

The Empire of Masumene would be interested in joining the RIMT, As a nation that runs their economy off of exportation of our resources a new trade agreement and group is usually beneficial to our economy. We agree to all articles of the agreement. As a small nation and generally peaceful nation we do not like conflicts among ourselves and others, it is detrimental to our trade. We would like to know when the date of the first meeting among member states will take place.

- Nolik Tarvamere
Head of Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am thinking about a new organizational model of creating resolutions, in which the halls of the RIMT are open access, where any member can propose new ideas at any time and members can then respond, feedback and make suggestions to drafts and proposals for the RIMT.

We could still have formal meetings, and I am planning for one to start about June this year. I think the first topics we might discuss would include:

• Fair Trade? Ethical trading?
• How we should deal with Embargoes and Sanctions against non-members condemned by the WASC?
• How can we open up trade with non-members?

Any other ideas for the first agenda?

[Charlotte Ryberg]

The first conference of member states and prospective members shall be announced for the 20th to 30th June 2010. The agenda of the first meeting shall be:

• To establish the system of voting for the adoption of future treaties, whereas active full and associate members have one vote equally, regardless of the date of membership;
• To establish which items shall be offered to members at a discounted tariff;
• To establish the first agreements between member states of the institute, in order to resolve issues such as hunger and illiteracy;
• To abolish or reduce tariffs for products produced under the fair trade principle;

If any member has additional topics that would like to be raised during the conference please post in this thread by 19th June 2010.

Thank you.

[Greater Rhodes]

The Hon. Enzo de Medici
980 Wellington Avenue, RH7 5D9
Valentinois, Aulnoria
Greater Rhodes


To: The Ryberg Institute of Mutual Trade
Subject: Membership

The Kingdom of Greater Rhodes would be honoured to join the Ryberg Institute of Mutual Trade as an member state to help promote free trade and globalism all over the world. We have met and are prepared to comply with the requirements necessary to obtain a membership and look forward to the Institute's first conference.
With regards;

The Honourable Enzo de Medici,
Minister of International Trade and Finance of Greater Rhodes

[Charlotte Ryberg]

The Hon. Enzo de Medici
980 Wellington Avenue, RH7 5D9
Valentinois, Aulnoria
Greater Rhodes


To: The Ryberg Institute of Mutual Trade
Subject: Membership

The Kingdom of Greater Rhodes would be honoured to join the Ryberg Institute of Mutual Trade as an member state to help promote free trade and globalism all over the world. We have met and are prepared to comply with the requirements necessary to obtain a membership and look forward to the Institute's first conference.
With regards;

The Honourable Enzo de Medici,
Minister of International Trade and Finance of Greater Rhodes

We are delighted to welcome your nation to the organization.

Meanwhile, I am thinking of adding something to talk about in the forthcoming meeting: rotating presidency!

[Parilisa]

OOC: Quick note because I have very little time at the minute, but I'd like to attend the meeting as a prospective member. We'd contribute to the debates and like to see a more rigid constitution before making a concrete decision on whether or not to join.

[Charlotte Ryberg]

OOC: Quick note because I have very little time at the minute, but I'd like to attend the meeting as a prospective member. We'd contribute to the debates and like to see a more rigid constitution before making a concrete decision on whether or not to join.

That is what the meeting will be about.

[Parilisa]

OOC: The agenda so far looks good.

* To establish the constitution, rotating presidency, and the system of voting for the adoption of future treaties, whereas active full and associate members have one vote equally, regardless of the date of membership;
* To establish which items shall be offered to members at a discounted tariff;
* To establish the first agreements between member states of the institute, in order to resolve issues such as hunger and illiteracy;
* To abolish or reduce tariffs for products produced under the fair trade principle;

I would suggest the addition of several other fields to be discussed and debated.

*The establishment of guidelines for ethical business practise
*The creation of legislation against members of the agreement from participating in aggressive actions against each other, as well as the organisation of a medium through which any conflicts may be resolved.
*The creation of an elected executive in addition to the rotating presidency, with a determination on how the executive and president should be elected and how frequently such elections should be held.

[Charlotte Ryberg]

All added as requested.

[Castigonia]

The Imperialist Empire of Castigonia is willing to join and sign a trade pact with Charlotte Ryberg.

[Charlotte Ryberg]

We are delighted to welcome you to the Institute. The forthcoming meeting from Sunday will set in stone the universal trade pact between our members.

[Charlotte Ryberg]

With the agenda now set up, we are going to work first on establishing:

1. The Constitution

And currently I have a rough draft for you to feedback on:

The First Constitution of the Ryberg Institute of Mutual Trade

The nations party to the Ryberg Institute of Mutual Trade, based at Antjepolis, Charlotte Ryberg, met on the 20th June 2010 to establish the Ryberg Institute of Mutual Trade, which shall consist of the following functions:-

The basic purpose of the Institute shall be to promote free trade between members of the Institute;

A. General Trade Agreement:
1. Member states will refrain from employing prohibitive tariffs of any kind for or against member states;
2. In turn, member states will also refrain from employing preferential subsidies for or against member states;

B. Product Safety:
1. Member states are encouraged to establish appropriate product safety standards for goods traded within the RIMT, so as to reduce the risk of injury to consumers;
2. Member states are also encouraged to establish appropriate food safety standards for foodstuffs traded within the RIMT, so as to reduce the risk of consumers falling ill or even dying;
3. Member states should generally promote free trade and the reduction of prohibitive tariffs or preferential subsidies for or against trading partners;
4. Member states shall remain free to inspect or turn away products suspected of not meeting their national product or food safety standards;

C. Reduction of trade barriers:
1. Where necessary, member states may agree to trade essential commodities and goods at a discounted rate within the entire union; this should be agreed on by the majority of member states, each having one vote each;

D. Ethical Trading:
1. Member states will not engage in the slave trade for any reason: member states will agree to outlaw the slave trade in their jurisdiction;
2. Member states shall not have Nazism (also known as German National Socialism) as their ideology: however, this clause should not be interpreted as a general ban on fascism or any other ideology whatsoever, only a ban on that particular branch of such ideology;
3. Member states are encouraged to abolish or reduce prohibitive tariffs for products produced under the fair trade principle;

E. Governance:
1. The Institute shall be governed by the Council of the Institute, which shall consist of 24 elected persons from member states: All member states are entitled to be represented in the Council;
2. Once every fortnight, a member of the council shall take in turns to act as the President of the Institute. The election of the President is determined by the votes of the members of the council, each having one vote each;
3. Elections for the Council of the Institute takes place every six months. The election of the Council is determined by the votes of member states, each having one vote each;
4. Future treaties shall be enacted only by the majority agreement of the members of the Council, each member having one vote each. All member states are entitled to submit a proposal;

F. World Assembly:
1. Member states with membership to the World Assembly are reminded that World Assembly Resolutions shall continue to be binding in all WA member states;
2. The Institute has no direct association with the World Assembly: the institute cannot interfere with the affairs of the World Assembly for any reason;

And so, signed below by representatives of Member States of the Institute:
- {signatures}

[Charlotte Ryberg]

Bumped due to the meeting being now in progress.

[Itailian Maifias]

I'm here

[Greater Rhodes]

OOC: Where is the meeting taking place?