SENATE TREATY RATIFICATION: Botswana, Tanzania, and Zambia Free Trade (Ratified)

[Lumine]

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[Mr. Reactionary]

After negotiations, the governments of Botswana, Tanzania, and Zambia are interested in adopting a free trade agreement with Atlasia.

In general, I am a skeptic of universal free trade and support measures to protect Atlasian interests during trade negotiations. That being said, I believe free trade with these individual countries IS in the best interest of Atlasia. The predominate exports of this area are commodities which often aren't produced in large quantities in Atlasia due to climate and geological concentration. Additionally, these countries currently have a small industrial base, meaning this agreement will boost our own exports of higher valued manufactured goods. I believe this agreement will also begin the process of repairing our image in Sub-Saharan Africa. During the Cold War we used to prop up authoritarian proxies to keep the reds out. These 3 countries are relatively stable and have elections.

I negotiated with Malawi as well, but they would not make adequate political concessions.

Overall I would say this would be a big boost for the economies of both countries. It would expand our presence in the regional market, amplifying the effects of the Mozambique free trade agreement from last fall.

Some specifics: The treaty will exclude BIS controlled technology from export, which basically means no dangerous technology or cyber stuff. Drugs which are illegal in either country are also excluded, as are endangered animals. And food may still be inspected for safety.

We managed to secure anti-dumping measures and the right to use countervailing duties if any country violates the terms. We also get very good intellectual property protections. The African countries get a pass on using government run agricultural marketing boards which help their small farmers pool their crops. All countries can still have government policies which prioritize the purchasing of goods from their own producers, and we wont enforce the lacey act against timber imports.

The agreement would be phased in over 15 months and either party can withdraw with 6 months notice.

To cut down on length, for certain treaty sections I have decided to incorporate them by reference. Several provisions from the FTA with Mozambique found below:

https://uselectionatlas.org/FORUM/index.php?topic=278299.0

I will gladly take any questions from the Senate. Thank you

[Former Senator Haslam2020]

I’m open to this. What exactly would be the deals we have with them? But this seems nice.

[Lumine]

I like it in general, I certainly support free trade over protectionism. I'm a bit curious about Tanzania in particular, which has been known for a certain reluctance to sign free trade agreements with the EU and may have its own plans for protectionism. It seems they may have shifted course, which is not bad in my opinion.

I'll take a closer look at the current context of Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia to check if I have further questions.

[Lumine]

Well, no further questions, actually. I'll allow for a couple more days for other Senators to weigh in (I think just three is not enough), and then support to move to a final vote myself.

[Mr. Reactionary]

Cool.

If anyone needs ideas, I also refer you back to the above link to the Mozambique Treaty. Beneath the text are questions the Senate had at the time.

[_]

I'm definitely fine with this Treaty, and fully back it.

[At-Large Senator LouisvilleThunder]

This seems like a solid trade deal which seems written in the best interest of Atlasia. I'll support it.

[Lumine]

I motion for a final vote, 24 hours for objections.

[Lumine]

Senators, a final vote has started. Please vote AYE, NAY or ABSTAIN:

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[Mr. Reactionary]

Aye

[At-Large Senator LouisvilleThunder]

Aye

[_]

Aye

[Former Senator Haslam2020]

Aye!

[Lumine]

Aye.

[Pericles]

Aye.

[Lumine]

All Senators have voted, 24 hours to change votes.

[Lumine]

With 5 votes in favor, I declare this Treaty ratified:

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People's Regional Senate:
Passed 5-0-0 in the Atlasian Senate assembled

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