Kalistani Major History

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Economists Meet at Kalistan Polytechnic University to discuss Stagnation
Other changes proposed to National Bank to allow for foreign investment acquisition and trade promotion
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 15, 5153


Break out session dealing with Trade credits proposes changes to foreign Investment rules

More than 100 Kalistani economists met this week at to discuss changes to Kalistani investment policy that would allow Kalistan to take a more active role in promotion of Kalistani Currency and Trade abroad. The Meeting, chaired Dr. Leo Dortmund, was convened at the request of the Finance Ministry to begin looking at reform proposals for Kalistan's frosty economy.

"Centuries of autarkic policy led by Parties predominantly on the socialist left have cemented 0% growth as the National Policy of Kalistan," said Institutionalist Finance Minister Bruce Norris in his keynote address before the gathered economists. "while this has been good for the promotion and development of the National Economy free from interference by foreign actors, Kalistan has also missed out on growth opportunities which could have provided a wider standard of living for Kalistani consumers. We are now facing the consequences of those economic choices, and need to think of a new direction for Kalistan."

The Finance Minister said that he hoped the Meeting would forward policy recommendations to the National Assembly for consideration but quickly foreclosed the idea of capitalism's return to Kalistan. "The Emperor has made it very clear, and I believe the Institutionalist Party agrees one hundred and ten percent, that our economy cannot be laid bare to wolves who would slaughter our people and pick their bones clean before moving on," said Kalistan's chief economist. "Economic liberalism has no place in Kalistan. And yet, we think within the strong mercantilist millieu of our State, we can find opportunities to gradually open a gate here, a door there and a window here to at least let some fresh air in to our museum of an economy. Increasing trade partnerships, especially through new agreements with partners abroad will bring new goods into the Kalistani Market and allow us to sell our abroad at a premium. In addition, bank reform that allowed the bank to provide more investment opportunities, both to Kalistanis seeking to trade abroad, and to foreign investors looking for insurance in the Kalistani Markets will bring valued new sources of capital to the country, which will allow us to expand existing industries and to grow new sectors."

The incremental approach to reform seems to be the preferred approach for Kalistani Institutionalists, who are on the one hand enthusiastic for reform, but on the other hand, unwilling to surrender the security they feel under the Zero growth model in exchange for the uncertainty of even a contained business cycle. "We're going to take it slow," said the Finance Minister, "but we will change, and it will be for the better."

Stocks in the Kalsie responded to the opening speech and the conference which produced a list of recommendations in line with the Minister's priorities: Kalsie Index stocks were up .8% on the week following the conclusion of the Conference. Slowly, the motive engine of the Kalistani economy might be showing some life.