AP BusinessWire ~ Affiliated Press Business News

[Polesia]

International brands demand action on Trivodnian counterfeits
AP Amstov

Famous luxury brands, such as Vinedian design house Barozzi and Nichtsteiner watch maker Zaugg-Yoder, have written to the Trivodnian government demanding it clamps down on local knock-offs, or face legal action.

The business coalition, which represents over 20 well-known high end brands, pointed to the commitments Trivodnia made in its free trade agreements with Bourgogne, Eiffelland and Nichstein to better enforce intellectual property rights.

Markets in large cities such as Amstov and Kretyn have been selling fake goods for years, which are often manufactured domestically or imported from Kadikistan and Kashtan.

Previous attempts at cracking down on counterfeit sellers resulted in mass protests and riots, which led the government to focus on preventing foreign-made imitations.

In a statement, the Trivodnian Ministry of Trade and Industry insisted it was taking "firm action" against illegal traders but admitted more could be done.

Trivodnia has benefited hugely from the liberalisation of trade with bigger economies such as Bourgogne, Eiffelland and Pelasgia, which has seen some manufacturing relocated to the country due to lower labour costs. This has brought overseas investment but also foreign attention into how Trivodnia's economy is run.

Poor enforcement of intellectual property right laws, together with regular corruption, political instability and organised crime, have all become common complaints of multinationals active in Trivodnia.

The recent administration of Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann has tried to tackle these issues head on, while also attempting to deregulate the Trivodnian economy. Many of the new measures and reforms faced stiff resistance, including from within the Chancellor's own party the Social Democratic Alliance.

Among Trivodnia's stallholders, there is a feeling of resentment after the letter. "Many buying these handbags and clothes are foreign tourists," says one market worker.

 

[Gunnland]

ASEG Rise Stalls As Talent Falls, MacAllister Default Looms
AP Ayr

The Ayr Securities Exchange Group (ASEG) rose to a record high of 6,111 at the closing bell last Friday, but sunk today under 6,000 points. Prospects of economic liberalization in SR Rurikgrad, the sale of Gunnair to Bourgogne-based Atlas, and the announcement that Integrity Party leader James Buchanan Blackthorn (MT-Windhaven) was engaged to marry Countess Mary MacLeod, the ruler of Arundel and Lower Marpesia who is widely perceived to be liberal and business friendly, drove market growth. "We think this just might be the first business friendly government in Windhaven," said Patrick mD. MacFallon, a vice president at the Bank of Arundel, "That's a big deal."

This afternoon, however, the talent fell sharply against the moch after the Home Office broke news that the balance of payments deficit with Geotri had grown, as electronics from that country have sold extremely well in Gunnland. Then, the "big three" Ayr banks, the Bank of Arundel, the Bank of Gunnland, and J.P. MacMorgan, downgraded Clan MacAllister's credit rating to a B-, after fears surfaced that the clan would not be able to pay debts related to its health insurance scheme. Andrew Ø. Mackowski, an investment banker at J.P. MacMorgan, voiced the general skepticism: "Yorc MacAllister? No way he will pay. If I held those loans, I'd be up a creek."

"It shows how even as Ayr is becoming a regional financial center in north Gallia and Scania, it is still primarily tangled up with the fundamentals of the Gunnish economy," said Brendan B. MacBoyle, an analyst at Bank of Gunnland. The ASEG closed at 5,972 points.

 

[Beautancus]

Chernovic trades, ฿lock slip on Hsin'khay Missile Test
Arrety Petrol Hostage Crisis, Rising Global Tensions Driving Jitters, Shift in Market



In what many believe will prove to be a watershed moment in the history of Slavoyevropic markets and a sure determinant in the course of future development, Radagora has been strongly advised to 'streamline' equity holdings in oil and natural gas companies from the Sovereignty's sovereign wealth fund, one of the world's largest such. In a letter to the Sovereignty Chamber and Krutop Regency, the directorate of the Sovereignty Bank of Principal Reserve, or Sorb, warning of exponential increases in susceptibility to negative fluctuations of the government's coffers.

Overseeing both the management of the Sovereignty's currency and the foreign-currency investments of the Sovereignty's Government Employee's Insurance and Retirement Funds, in the past several years Sorb has also diversified its assets to include holding significant sway over the influential and ever-profitable petroleum and natural gas industries, as well as acquisition of a number of smaller Chernovic armament firms with significant histories of defense contracts.

Sorb views the increased likelihood of persistent tensions between the Arrety and Chernovic interests within the Arrety Autonomous Okrug, which accounts for a significant portion of the considerable mineral, natural gas and petroleum stores of the Sovereignty as thoroughly compromising the traditional economic strategy of the nation. Compounded with the rising global tensions as almost guaranteeing an arms race in the field of missile technology at the very least, the situation currently developing in the region is nearly so grim as at any point since the era of the Insurrections.

In their letter, Sorb and a half dozen co-signatory financial institutions from within the Sovereignty noted that the present value of the government's projected revenue from oil and gas was estimated at ฿ 630 billion. While this seems a more than acceptable market share for a mid-to-large sized nation and national economy such as Chernovy's, and a significant portion of this would still be guaranteed, increasingly uncertain returns of production rates and cost - as well as competition from foreign producers are very likely to see this figure greatly reduced.

While Chernovic finance is far from skittish where weapons tests or military exercises (especially those regularly scheduled, and to which Chernovic observers are rarely not invited) are concerned, much of what has been built in the past several decades has relied on a sense of Pan-Slavian solidarity, bridging the often dangerous gulf between political ideologies. With the recent development of the more active participation of the Farther Tuyu'an* Communist nation of Hsin'khay** in ongoing Rurikgrad Pact military exercises in the Kalahari, only some hundreds of miles from Chernovic shores - within the context of a growing row between Red Hsin'khay and the Ostrovak League (the closest ally and trading partner of the Sovereignty) and now a missile test, albeit failed - there are perhaps too many unknown variables in play for the most jaded of Slavoyevropic market-watchers.

The most likely courses of action to be taken to avoid these less than optimal eventualities will be likely to include more active and robust investment in foreign markets, with Trivodnian mineral and natural gas wealth and calibration of elements within the Engellexic shipping industry at the top of that list. Shcherbatov Investments has also noted interest in the CBS market, likely eyeing the chance to redouble Pan-Slavian solidarity and mutually profitability in lieu of costly regional conflicts.

Pressure will, invariably, continue to be placed on Regent Krutop to see the now multi-week Arrety Petrol hostage crisis in Drugny resolved as well, as losses to Arrety Petrol and its parent corporation, ChernoPet, are noted as having reached well over ฿ 5 billion already. Such complications on the domestic front, while never acceptable, are far less so now when the slightest mistake could equate to a disastrous recession, undoing so much of what has been accomplished in the way of the tumultuous, often bloody years of the 20th Century.






*Chernovic form of Touyou
** Chernovic form of Xinhai

 

[Polesia]

High oil and gas prices spur investment in Three Seas region
AP Kretyn

With rising global tensions sending the price of crude oil and natural gas soaring, prospecting and extraction companies are increasingly exploring the Three Seas region - an area well known for its own geopolitical risks - in the search for new opportunities.

While the continuing spat between Crotobaltislavonia and Trivodnia has sent jitters through local markets, many international investors are increasingly confident of a diplomatic solution. "There's a lot of big talk, but we know there's also a lot of behind-the-scenes dialogue, so fears of a war are largely unfounded," said one analyst focused on frontier economies.

Rumours of a plan to demilitarise Lake Elben have also encouraged interest in the area, with many believing its natural resources remain largely untapped.

Separately, polls point to the increasingly pro-business Social Democratic Alliance returning to power in Trivodnia with a firm majority, and party leader Alexander Kahnemann has made clear he wants to open up the Free State's economy and improve commercial ties with neighbours.

While the chance of conflict with Kadikistan looms large in the background, security experts are predicting the return of Krasnislavian terrorism will push Trivodnia and Kadikistan closer together, as it did in the 1980s. This could have positive knock on effects for the two countries' trade relations some believe. "A rapprochement between Amstov and Ivar is on the cards," claims Zynanon Kebich of the Middle West Research Centre.

The 1921 peace treaty between Kadikistan and Trivodnia grants Ivar rights over most of the Inner Sea, and the communist state, which recently started liberalising its industries, has ramped up local oil and gas production.

Yet investors see a bigger opportunity in Trivodnia's slice of the Inner Sea. Emerging technologies that were previously financially unviable due to low commodity prices are now increasingly affordable, meaning once logistically difficult projects are now more feasible.


The same logic also applies to Trivodnia's section of the Polesian Sea, where there is a more established energy sector thanks to a less volatile diplomatic climate. Only yesterday, Chernovy's sovereign wealth fund announced its intention to deploy more capital in the country, with a key focus being the natural resources industry.

"We're not saying Trivodnia is going to be a major exporter or player on the international markets, but for those brave enough, there is money to be made there," said one commodities trader active in the Free State.

However the regional shipping industry is in less positive shape, with the Three Seas Shipping Council predicting lower maritime freight volumes for 2018.

 

[Rheinbund]

Bremer Raffineriegesellschaft mbH.
Bremen, Eiffelland

We would like to invest in oil and natural gas industry in the Three Seas Region as well. Would that be possible?

 

[Polesia]

Ministry of Trade and Industry

While we cannot speak for all the littoral states of the Three Seas region, Trivodnia can confirm it is looking for private sector partners to help better utilise its natural resources reserves.

 

[Khemia]

ErYu Corp Awarded Contract for Peninsular High-Speed Rail Connection
AP Villesen

The government of Serenierre proudly announced today the contract award for the Inter-Regional High-Speed Rail project bound to connect Monserans and Villesen to the Peninsula. The project award, announced at 14.6 billion livre, is expected to take a year to complete from groundbreaking and will include a 90 mile, single track subterranean tunnel connecting Porcheville and Bonheau, ultimately allowing for travel between Monserans and Ardeche within mere hours.

The journey between Monserans and Villesens, at more than 600 miles, currently takes nearly 10 hours by car. Once completed, high-speed rail will reduce the journey to a mere two hours.

"I am very proud to announce our role in this project," Xue Jialou, CEO of ErYu Corp, declared following the announcement. "This historic task will serve as a major milestone in Gallian, and even global infrastructure development. I look forward to completing this major achievement alongside the fantastic people in the Republique, and hope that our railroad can serve to bridge two halves of a nation and build a more united Gallia."

 

[Rheinbund]

Ministry of Trade and Industry

While we cannot speak for all the littoral states of the Three Seas region, Trivodnia can confirm it is looking for private sector partners to help better utilise its natural resources reserves.

Bremer Raffineriegesellschaft mbH.
Bremen, Eiffelland

We would like to get into contact with the Government of Trivodnia to discuss this out. We can travel to your country for your convenience.

 

[Bergenheim]

Krier GmbH and Gough-Gehrman Armouries agree to Future Projects
AP Midweis

Two of Germania's largest arms manufacturers agreed today to a forward-looking partnership for the development of future small-arms together. While details of the partnership are scarce, shareholder speculation has already seen significant trading in favour of both companies, though no formal merger is expected or planned.

"This is a marriage of ideas, not of companies." explained CEO Heinz Gehrmann, of Gough-Gehrman Armouries. "We're looking to develop the small arms market for Germania into something bold and innovative again. Too many of the same kinds of weapons are being made by everyone for everybody else, and noone is really excited about the market anymore. I hope that together with Krier GmbH, we can really change this."

Gough-Gehrman has made a name for itself both by being the official state armourer for the Republic of Bergenheim, but also by its eccentric and often highly unusual "custom" or "trick" weapons offered to higher-end clientele in the private market. While these weapons are highly illegal in many countries, the allure of owning working gun umbrellas, spear-guns, sword-guns and even a gun that can compact and fire snow at subsonic speeds, amongst many other products, has kept GnGA the talk of the global fire-arms market.

By contrast, Krier seems a far sturdier and steadier small arms company, who may bring a much needed reliability and practicality to Gough and Gehrman's private arms projects.

 

[Khemia]

Xinhaiese Minister of Trade Departs Borovanger
AP Saulot

People's Republic of Xinhai Minister of Trade Wu Dao finalized a meeting with senior officials in the Confederation of Borovanger earlier today, thanking the Borovanger government for its hospitality. Mr. Wu stated that closer economic ties between Borovanger and Xinhai would help to bridge the gap between East and West, and that more details would be announced shortly. "Big changes" were coming to European economics, he promised.

Minister of Trade Wu Dao continues his tour, with visits to East Gouw Marken and Gallega included among others on a list designed to compliment the diplomatic pushes made in recent weeks by the Xinhaiese government in Gallo-Germania. The tour, coming ahead of the All People's Congress scheduled to begin in early January, is no doubt designed to lay the foundation for major policy reforms to be pushed by the incumbent President Zhao as she seeks to make her imprint on the communist governments legacy.

 

[Gunnland]

"Christmas Coup" Spooks Investors; Mons Shocks With BGG Buyout
AP Ayr

Instability in north-central Gallogermania have led European stocks to fall sharply, as investors felt the Kadikistan-backed "status quo" in the region shaken. The Ayr-based ASEG plummeted to under 4,500 points, a low since the 2015 plane crash that killed King Josias and spooked investors. "It's not just northern Germanian fears that Rurikgrad trade will contract," said Gunnish trader Brendan B. MacBoyle, "the big Gallian economies have a lot of money tied up in Trivodnia."

The sell-off hit the Ayr financial sector so hard that rumors swirled Wednesday that one of the Big Three banks, Bank of Gunnland Group (BGG, a private investment bank unaffiliated from the kingdom's central bank) would default. Instead, it was announced today that Mons Pietatis, the massive Windhaven-based lender and historic charitable pawnbroker with ties to the Catholic Church, would buy out BGG. "Mons swept in very quickly to infuse BGG with cash," said MacBoyle, a former employee of BGG, "and immediately began restructuring.

News of the Mons Pietatis move into the Ayr financial sector has met mixed reviews, with some bankers praising Mons for stemming further sell-offs of financial assets. But many are suspicious of Mons, which has been criticized for corruption, avoiding standard auditing procedure, and taking advantage of the Kingdom of Gunnland's crude banking laws. Furthermore, Mons is tied to the Smith-Gallagher circle, a powerful political faction within the ruling Integrity Party. The president of Mons Pietatis, William G. Mason dismisses these concerns, "Usurers hate us for raining on their parade, but we are doing in the County of Arundel now what we have always done in the Kingdom of Gunnland. We're protecting the little guy from the unstable world that greedy bankers create to get rich."

 

[Polesia]

Trivodnian Mark, Amstov Bourse recover slightly after missile announcement
AP Amstov

News that the missiles the People's Republic of Xinhai is planning on deploying to Kadikistan will not be capable of striking the Free State of Trivodnia saw the Trivodnian Mark and Amstov Bourse recover slightly, as analysts grow increasingly confident of de-escalation in Gallo-Germania.

Leaked plans for an invasion of Trivodnia by Kadikistan sent the Amstov Bourse and Trivodnian Mark into a death spiral, as investors began panic selling Trivodnian stocks and the Free State's currency. Trading on the Amstov Bourse was eventually suspended by the Free State Monetary and Foreign Exchange Authority, which also spent some of its gold and foreign reserves to prop up the value of the Mark.

Since the state of emergency was declared, Trivodnians have been limited on the amount of cash they can withdraw, preventing a run on local banks. Trivodnians already have above average cash holdings, according to a survey by the Free State Banking Association, which it blames on the country's history of fraught relations with its neighbours and domestic political instability.

However, following the announcement that Xinhaiese missiles planned for deployment in Kadikistan as part of a wider force being stationed there will not be capable of striking Trivodnia has led to cautious optimism in the markets.

The Amstov Bourse General Index closed yesterday above the 1500 point mark, while the Trivodnian Mark rose against virtually all major global currencies.

"I think we've hit rock bottom and are starting to climb out of this hole," says one Trivodnian trader.

There is a growing consensus among international relations experts that Raoul Farrago and his Kadikistani backers have won in Crotobaltislavonia and that Trivodnia will adjust to the new political reality, leading to reduced tensions in the region.

Rumours that Trivodnian President Meier Lauterpacht will use his Christmas address tomorrow to make a plea for a 'grand bargain' with Kadikistan has also settled some nerves.

But the fact Trivodnia has come so close to war means many investors will likely think twice before investing in the country. Already a number of multinationals have cancelled or delayed projects in the Free State.

Yet for many, while Trivodnia is grabbing all the headlines, the bigger story is in Bourgogne, Eiffelland, Retalia and Pelasgia, which all have significant sums of money tied up in the country in planned infrastructure projects. "Bankers in Trier are no doubt shitting themselves," said an Eiffellandian analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Elections to decide future of Implarian oil production
AP Deliverance

Once a proud net exporter of petrol products, the Implarian oil industry has dried up over the course of the last two decades. As oil wells ran dry, the Socialist World Republic was forced to import crude oil and petrol products from the rest of Europe, a fact that has strengthened doves and reformers within the nations major parties. The newfound reliance on imports was a major factor in seeking detente and cooperation with countries across the globe whose governments overthrow the SWR had traditionally advocated.

This developement may prove a shortlived phase in the history of the World Republic, as improved technology may grant access to previously inaccesible deposits. Fracking and deepwater drilling in the Clarencian promise to return the Implarian to self-sufficiency in petrol production and are heavily debated amongst decision makers in Deliverance.

However, both prove to be a controversial issue. The fact that a newfound independence from oil imports may undermine the reform course the Social Democrats had been pursuing has not been lost on the reform wings of either party. Furthermore both fracking and new oil platforms in the Clarencian would come at a hefty environmental price, especially as major untapped crude oil reserves are located within protected environmental areas and national parks. Any decision to drill here would require a major governmental reversal of environmental protection policies.

Finally, oil platforms in the Clarencian would also prove to be a contested issue between the Socialist World Republic and its Clarencian neighbour Engellex. The former colonies and their former colonizer have retained a hostile relationship to this day, with many different issues being contested between the two. Oil drilling in the Clarencian could prove to be a dangerous upsetting of the volatile status quo in the region.

Despite all these issues - or perhaps precisely because of them - Social Republican candidate Donna Trumm has recently lodged herself safely inside the "drilling"-camp, launching a final push in her presidential campaign based on the promise to make the SWR independent from oil imports once again.

 

[Polesia]

Folkists pledge not to renegotiate infrastructure financing agreements
AP Amstov

The Jewish People's Party has promised not to renegotiate the infrastructure financing deals struck with Bourgogne, Eiffelland, Retalia and the South Tiburan Empire, after previously having to threatened to do so if elected.

The Folkists, along with all the other major opposition parties, denounced the financing agreements at the time of signing as a "bad deal" for Trivodnia. They were negotiated by the then-ruling Social Democratic Alliance to fund new infrastructure across the Free State, with a particular focus on improving commercial transport connections between Amstov and Kretyn, the country's two largest cities, to help stimulate Trivodnia's ailing economy.

However, the JPP's trade and ministry spokesman now said the party would not try and renegotiate the funding. "Our focus now must be to repair the damage done by the 'Christmas Crisis' and give businesses the confidence to invest in Trivodnia," Yagal Dayan said at a press conference this morning, also announcing plans for tax cuts, deregulation and better protection for local small businesses.

While Trivodnia held a general election in December last year, which the Social Democrats are widely believed to have won, the Folkists, together with the Homeland Union and Krasnislavian National Party, are rumoured to be pushing for a new vote. Trivodnian political commentator Nissim Kessler says the Folkists' about-turn on the infrastructure finance is a further signal they are preparing for government. "This is a demonstration they are a serious governing party, and not the eternal opposition," he said.

However, analysts suggest the move was also partly motivated by commercial realities. "[Getting] billions in private sector funding under-written by friendly foreign governments and interest repayments capped at two per cent.. after the 'Christmas Crisis' Trivodnia is unlikely to benefit from a similar deal, as banks demand a higher risk premium be factored in," read one analyst notes.

 

[Bergenheim]

Blud-Smugglers Board Boats for Bergenheim
AP Midweis

The release of Winter 2017's crime statistics has confirmed that the tightening of Bergenheim's eastern borders in the wake of the Christmas Crisis saw a brief dip in the number of drug-related arrests, at least everywhere but Yharnam metropole itself. Indeed, despite heavy efforts by the Yharnam Gendarmerie, the number of blud-related offences and casualties seems only to be rising in the benighted city.

Reports seem to suggest that there is one border that Bergenheim's military and para-military forces have failed to secure- the Polesian Coast. The chronically underfunded, neglected and often forgotten Coast Guard have struggled to stem the rising tide of both people and drug-smuggling to the rocky, sparse shores of the germanic country.

"We have about the same number of boats as Crotobaltislavonia, but they have a coup and decades of strife. We just don't have the manpower or the money to meet the rising need for coastal security." stated an anonymous source from within the Coast Guard.

"Sometimes we find empty inflatables floating on the waves, [with] heavy packs of heroin and blud shrink-wrapped against the elements. The waves took the crew, but the drugs were completely dry."

With the All-Parties Conference in Midweis seemingly about to close with no clear resolution, it remains to be seen how the mountain republic will deal with the growing crisis the Christmas Coup has brought about.

 

[Polesia]

Jewish groups call for boycott of Elbener businesses
AP Amstov

Jewish activists in Trivodnia and abroad have called for a boycott of Elbener goods and services after revelations the Germanian Kingdom allowed Kadikistan to use its airspace to fly troops and military supplies into Crotobaltislavonia in return for the release of imprisoned Tiburan Catholic missionaries.

The agreement, denounced as a "dirty deal" by the Trivodnian government, was revealed by Kadikistan this week after Ivar announced retaliatory sanctions on Elben for later closing its airspace to all international traffic.

There have since been protests outside the Elbener embassy in Amstov. Speaking at one rally Jewish People's Party leader Yitzhak Epstein claimed "anti-Semitism is more important to Elben than anti-Communism" and demanded Trivodnia impose its own embargo. Now Jewish groups are calling for Jews to boycott Elbener businesses and not buy Elbener-made products. "We cannot fund those who actively collaborate with our persecutors," read a statement from the Jewish Support Network.

Following claims Gunnland is also allowing Kadikistani forces through its territory into Crotobaltislavonia, many are calling for Gunnish goods to be boycotted as well. "Buy Caledonian whiskey instead," urged the JSN in the same statement.

 

[Tyonic Confederacy]

3G Telephone a thing of the past
AP Racow

With the telephone companies Verefon and GTelefon have both announced development into 4G networks, increasing connectivity and speed on mobile devices tenfold. Both companies released their statements just days apart, suggesting that they are both around the same development stage on 4G technology. And this news couldn't come any quicker, recent reports suggest that at the current rate the 3G networks could fail due to a lack of bandwidth for the amount of users on it. Many expect for other network providers to announce development of 4G technology within the month.

With the introduction of 4G technology, access to the Internet and online websites will become near seamless compared to the previous generations, with new features as well. Allowing for better voice calls, video conferences, higher quality TV streaming, and advanced gaming capabilities. With these new and exciting features promised in a recent press conference by CEO Sigmund Hippler of Verefon and by CEO Cormag Beitean of GTelefon, many expect these promises to be kept. With the demand for phones increasing, the need for a fast, reliable networks will also increase.

 

[Polesia]

Analysis: Fixing the economy will be a huge challenge for next Trivodnian government
AP Amstov

Before the Christmas Crisis erupted, Trivodnia was enjoying the benefits of decades of economic liberalisation. Competitive labour costs, an active trade policy, domestic deregulation and reduced political instability saw foreign investment, particularly from large Gallo-Germanian economies such as Bourgogne and Eiffelland, pour in. The result was years of booming employment and rising wages.

Now, with the Trivodnian Mark at half its pre-crisis value, inflation rocketing and business and consumer confidence at record lows, the good times feel like an age ago.

The Free State Monetary and Foreign Exchange Authority, Trivodnia's central bank, is expected to raise interest rates to try and curb inflation. But with the Mark devalued and Trivodnia an import-dependent economy, prices are likely to remain high for some time. "It's going to be a tough year," sighs one businessman in Amstov.

The end of the state of emergency, which comes after a full joint demobilisation with Kadikistan, has helped soothe markets' nerves, but the likelihood of a second election is concerning many investors, especially as the predicted outcome is a minority government. "It just adds further uncertainty and the end result will not allow for the decisive action that is needed," warns one car manufacturer that was looking to expand its operations.

For those not already invested in Trivodnia, the geopolitical risk is now considered too great, and dozens of project have been put on hold or cancelled. "What's the point of putting all that money into a new factory or back office if it's just going to be bombed by the Kadikistanis?" Asks one multinational that was hoping to enter the Trivodnian market.

Inbound tourism, which was of growing importance to the economy, has also collapsed, with Christmas visitor numbers at the lowest recorded. The local tourism authority warned it could take "decades" to repair Trivodnia's international image.

Meanwhile whatever government comes in next will have to handle the precarious public finances. Negative growth has seen unemployment creep up and tax revenues decline. The state of emergency, which required a huge police presence to enforce, and the military mobilisation have also put massive pressure on public resources.

Trivodnian bonds are rated B- or worse by the major rating agencies, with yields spiking during the Christmas Crisis. The Trivodnian government has traditionally relied on subsidised loans from friendly governments to help finance spending, but many see departmental cuts and tax rises as inevitable. "Whatever party comes in will have to swing the axe," states Leon Katzir, editor of Trivodnian business weekly Handelsblatt.

The Social Democrats and Folkists - the two main parties most likely to win an election - have both promised to commit to the infrastructure projects agreed last year, which will be financed by Bourgogne, Eiffelland, Retalia and the South Tiburan Empire. But other parties want the money spent elsewhere. "Schools and hospitals must be the priority," insists Shmuel Bernstein, leader of the Alternative.

 

[Rheinbund]

3G Telephone a thing of the past
AP Racow

With the telephone companies Verefon and GTelefon have both announced development into 4G networks, increasing connectivity and speed on mobile devices tenfold. Both companies released their statements just days apart, suggesting that they are both around the same development stage on 4G technology. And this news couldn't come any quicker, recent reports suggest that at the current rate the 3G networks could fail due to a lack of bandwidth for the amount of users on it. Many expect for other network providers to announce development of 4G technology within the month.

With the introduction of 4G technology, access to the Internet and online websites will become near seamless compared to the previous generations, with new features as well. Allowing for better voice calls, video conferences, higher quality TV streaming, and advanced gaming capabilities. With these new and exciting features promised in a recent press conference by CEO Sigmund Hippler of Verefon and by CEO Cormag Beitean of GTelefon, many expect these promises to be kept. With the demand for phones increasing, the need for a fast, reliable networks will also increase.

OOC: I'm awfully sorry, but I thought we are RPing tech levels of the beginning of the century. That means that we don't even have the smartphone yet, let alone 3G or 4G. Or did I miss a forumwide decision here?

 

[Tyonic Confederacy]

OOC: 3G was first done in 2001, and 4G was in 2009 so I decided going back a decade would be alright. Especially since we are just getting into 5G now. I can change it to 3G if the community wishes.