Kalistani Major History

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Focus Shifts South
Kalistani links with Central Seleya take attention from Overseas trade
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 8, 5471


Gregory Carruthers discusses shift in trade emphasis to something more "hemispheric"

The rail link connections between central Seleya and Lodamun through Mainland Kalistan is already yielding increased travel and tourism along the East Coast of Seleya, as citizens now have more convenient and inexpensive links that can take them deep into Seleya. But these links also increase the potential for increased overland commerce in Northern Seleya. "We have noticed a sharp uptick in trade flows with both Gaduridos and Baltusia since linking into both train networks," said Her Imperial Majesty's Minister for Trade Gregory Carruthers. "This is a fantastic opportunity for both Northern Seleyan economies and Kalistan particularly. Kalistani residents are enamored with foreign goods, and there is a relatively untapped commercial market in Kalistan for Gaduri, Baltusian, and even shall I say, Indralan consumer goods, electronics, foods, clothing and all sorts of things. While Kalistan is able to supply most markets adequately, people love foreign items, because they allow for the diversity in taste and style. Combined with longstanding trade Anantonese trade flows, Kalistan is importing more foreign goods than ever before, and people are both interested and willing to spend Rubles to do it. And of course, this also is a boon for Kalistani manufacturers as we can reciprocate with Kalistani export commodities and luxuries."

This increased north-south trade comes at a time when overseas trade is declining for Kalistan. "We have noticed the Beiteynese have decided to consider withdrawing from trade agreements with the Empire," said Carruthers. The Trade Minister specifically refers to the Neset Repositioning Act that is working its way through the Beiteynu Legislature at the moment. "We've noticed the decline for years, following Deltaria's decision to join the Non-Aligned Movement, in good relations between Kalistan and Beiteynu, and this is fine. Kalistan is not a global power, and decreases in trade and relations are more than offset by existing and expanding relations with local nations." Carruthers noted that if Beiteynu succeeds in abrogating the "Beiteynuese - Kalistani Partnership Agreement" which Beiteynu worked so hard to get Kalistan to sign onto in the first place, the Kalistani Government will also withdraw from the treaty. "(Foreign) Minister Smith is holding off on placing a withdrawal bill on the table as of now to see what Beiteynu wants to do, but if they vote to leave the treaty, we may as well too."

For Kalistan's part, Carruthers noted that the nation practices Fair Trade. "Anything others do to us, we do to them. Except for the few protectionist measures in our Law, we practice open trade with the world, and do not need special arrangements normally. However, if trade barriers are imposed against Kalistan, Kalistan always reserves to respond in kind, whether the country describes itself as a major power or is Keymon: It makes no difference in Kalistan's Law." Carruthers was quick to point out that the vast majority of trade with Kalistan comes from Anantonese Nations like Lourenne, Lodamun and Dolgava. "We are far more used to local brands," said Carruthers.

As Kalistan continues to strengthen the commercial and transit links between the Empire its neighboring countries, it is doubtful that a reorientation in Beiteynu will have much impact on Kalistan's net trade flows. "Our overarching goal is to build a connected and interdependent Seleyan Economy first. We are looking at creating more hemispheric links and ties. Foreign trade is nice, and gives us variety, you may say, but when our neighbors are stronger, we are more insulated to the ups and downs of foreign players. So we are focusing closer to home these days, and looking South, rather than west, for new partners."