This press message was released by the Government of the Republic of Telamon.
Global Announcement of the Mutual Commerce and Trade Bloc
(the following speech was delivered by President Katherine H. Thompson last night):
For the last few months, the Telamonian government has been working with several other nations to begin the ratification process of one of this government's highest economic and diplomatic priorities - the foundation of the Mutual Commerce and Trade Bloc (MCTB).
The MCTB will be a free global marketplace. All nations willing to conduct free and fair trade and open to foreign investment are invited to join us. The MCTB will breed economic prosperity, mutual respect, good relations, and increased trade and productivity. The only qualifications for membership are that foreign investments are allowed (irrespective of amount) and that the only tariffs levied on imports are reciprocal ones or none at all. Granted, as no nation in the MCTB will be levying their own, original tariffs, it amounts to a free trade zone even if reciprocal tariffs are in place for trade with the rest of the world.
There are currently six nations in the ratification process. Their collective GDP is over 30 trillion. As the MCTB grows and more nations join, it will become a major force in Terran economics and geopolitics.
All nations are welcome so long as they subscribe to the same values of freedom and fairness that the MCTB promotes. All nations are welcome to join this new treaty organization - a sprawling economic powerhouse designed to promote economic growth, cultural empathy, and mutual respect.
The Mutual Commerce and Trade Bloc is the future of the global economy and it is a prosperous future with more than enough to share among the community of nations.
Thank you. Signed,
the Government of the Republic of Telamon