Belgorta Re-Industrialisation

[Baltica]

Belgorta and the Belgorta River Delta

The Belgorta river delta is a low-lying area around the mouth of the Belgorta River that runs from Lake Morshu in Northern Baltica. Despite being a fairly minor river, at least when compared to the likes of the Liplan and Balendeli rivers, it has one of the largest river estuaries in Baltica and one of the main industrial arteries of the nation. Having first been settled by the Holy Order of Belgorta, and later integrated into the Order of Baltishtin, Belgorta and its surrounding land was one of the few Dolch holdouts on the Baltican inner East. It was also, coincidentally, one of the more fertile regions of the Order, and for years acted as a small but consistent exporter of grains, wheat and other products to the rest of Baltica. However, as the Kingdom of Baltica expanded west, regions like Belgorta became increasingly neglected and forgotten, as their primary role as agricultural regions was surpassed by the much greater Raskia. As such, Belgorta became a relatively barren region, with a long history of poverty and stagnation. Its revitalisation would come after the first Baltican civil war in the 1960s. With Raskia and Kauni having united into a Confederation, the North plagued by separatists and anarchists and Goja as well as other main industrial regions having been plagued by war and destruction, Belgorta became the subject of much-needed investment and growth. Most of Baltica's former industry began to steadily shift towards Belgorta, especially after the Republican government began to connect the region through the construction of ports and rail. All manner of industry, ranging from simple steel refining to electronics manufacturing, became steadily concentrated around Belgorta and the Belgorta River. Meanwhile, people of Ras and Dolch origin began to also flock to the region in the hope of employment. Belgorta's population nearly quadrupled over 4 years, and it resulted in the construction of many more cities throughout the region, such as the port town of Svoyev which soon became the largest port on the Eastern coast. 

The civil war, however, changed the region permanently. The White Stork Army Group, an extremist armed militia picked up by the Baltijan government, took swift control of the region, and only fuelled the violence that had long plagued the region. The Ras, which had grown into a majority within the region, began pushing the Dolch out, as they increasingly claimed that Belgorta was not Dolch, but in fact Ras land, stolen long ago by volatile heathen Dolch. Throughout the war, Belgorta was the subject of much fighting, being bombed several times by encroaching armies, and steadily seeing most of its companies and industry either close, relocate or be converted to feed the Ras war machine. Eventually, the North Baltica Federation was able to defeat Baltija, and although the Baltijan officials tried to make a last stand in Belgorta, they would be forced to surrender, as what remained of the WSAG forced the remnants of the Baltijan government to surrender to spare the region. After the war, it would not be granted the status of “Republic”, instead relegated to a Sister Republic, or “Federal State”. But with the fighting over, Belgorta once more aims to revitalise itself as the Industrial powerhouse of Baltica. This goal, however, comes with many inherent hurdles. Most of the domestic Baltican firms have long relocated to Raskia and Kauni, regions relatively untouched by the war. Additionally, what remains of the city's former industrial base remains in the control of the Industrialist League, a group of the largest Baltican firms still remaining within Belgorta, who hold an almost monopolistic hold of the region's largest industries, as well as hold the hands of the local and even regional government. Despite that, Federal Governor of Belgorta, Lemonas Zvugas, has made it his goal to both bring Belgorta out of adversity and make it a prosperous region once more.

(Belgorta Sister Republic Map)

(Factories alongside the outskirts of Belgorta City)

 

 

Belgorta Industrial Parks

One of the benefits of the Baltican Civil War is that it freed up a large amount of space within the previously packed Belgorta. With the large destruction across both Svoyev and Belgorta, large areas of both cities have been cleared and can be built up from the ground up. As such, this land has been organised into Special Economic Zones, with the official establishment of both the Belgorta National Industrial Park (BNIP) and the Svoyev Industrial Park Group (SIPG). Both Industrial parks are largely targeted towards International, rather than internal investment. As such, both parks offer large tax cuts, subsidies towards the construction of industrial facilities, and capital (machinery) investment. Additionally, both cities have seen small infrastructure investments in preparation for investment, with the Svoyev docks being repaired and cleared, whilst existing canals along the Belgrota river were also cleared in order to allow ships passage into the Republic's interior. Historically, Belgorta had very few rail connections, instead most transportation occurred through ships and ferry boats along the Belgorta river. 

(Svoyev Industrial Park Group Logo)

Teisingas darbas “die richtige Arbeit”

Teisingas Darbas (Die Richtige Arbeit in Dolch), is a new economic policy pushed by the Federal Government in order to promote a closer relationship between employees and their employers. In essence, Teisingas darbas guarantees good wages, for good work, with employees and employers getting to decide on a suitable wage relating to the work at hand, rather than having to rely on a national minimum wage. The policy so far, has been greatly successful, especially among agricultural workers who have seen their wages triple and even quadruple due to the new policy, which now guarantees the ability for workers to unionise and actively dispute their employers if their wage does not meet suitable requirements. Many within Belgorta fear that the implantation of “Teisingas darbas” may harm the competitiveness of Belgortan manufactured goods internationally, especially as wages for manufacturing workers are expected to rise similarly to how they have risen within the agricultural sector. But, luckily, alongside Teisingas darbas, the Ministry of Finance has released its plans to promote Baltican High-quality products and improve work culture/productivity. Teisingas darbas plays a key role in this, as all businesses who meet the requirements set by the new policy are allowed to petition for a “Baltican Standard Certificate”, proving not only that employers have been compensated well, but that also the products made by said workers meet all quality requirements set by respected unions and the Federal Government. This earns firms the ability to “stamp” their products, with an official “Made in Baltica '' standard, something that the government hopes will help differentiate high-quality Baltican manufactured products, from the cheap mass-produced ones commonly found in Eastern Argis.

(Made in Baltica Sticker Design) 

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

To: His Excellency, Rupert Waltz, Minister of Economics of the Federation of @Baltica

From: Innokentia Ptochoprodroma, Director of International Sales, Ioannes Kervos

 

Your Excellency,

The recovery of your great nation in the aftermath of the civil war that so shook your country has been little short of spectacular. Indeed, this has been a something of a turnaround for your nation and does your government much credit, as well as that of the Baltican people. The economic and infrastructure expansion that your government has overseen has been one of the major successes of any wurld economy in recent years.

As your excellency may know, my company is one of the premier manufacturers of agricultural machinery on Eurth. It has been one of the driving forces behind the success of the Aroman agricultural sector. Our history as manufacturers of tractors, forestry machinery and more goes back over a century and a half. As can be imagined, our history, expertise and history of expertise has meant that my company can recognise situations that would be beneficial to all of the parties involved. Such as the potential for investment that the industrial parks that your government is setting up in the east of your country.

Due to this, as well as the undoubtedly favourable location that the United Federation has in southern Argis, my company, Ioannes Kervos, would like to request that the government of Baltica consider allowing us to set up several factories within your nation. The establishment of manufacturing facilities would be a significant boost to your nation, in several ways. Firstly, it would enable the farmers of your nation to purchase Ioannes Kervos tractors, agricultural machinery and many of our other products without having to pay the expense of importing them from Aromania. Secondly, it would benefit your nation's economy through job creation on several levels – the construction of the factories themselves, the long-term employment within the factories as well as ancillary and support staff on top of that.

Working together, we can make Baltica a manufacturing centre for southern Argis. Ioannes Kervos tractors will drive the agricultural boom in your nation and help you to become the breadbasket of Argis. Tractors and machinery designed in Aromania and made in Baltica can be exported all over the continent, aiding not just your people and economy but much of the rest of the continent.

I do hope that this spurs some interesting and mutually agreeable conversations between us.

Innokentia Ptokhoprodroma,

Director of International Sales,

Ioannes Kervos

[Baltica]

On 4/26/2023 at 10:30 PM, Tagmatium Rules said:

 

To: His Excellency, Rupert Waltz, Minister of Economics of the Federation of @Baltica

From: Innokentia Ptochoprodroma, Director of International Sales, Ioannes Kervos

 

Your Excellency,

The recovery of your great nation in the aftermath of the civil war that so shook your country has been little short of spectacular. Indeed, this has been a something of a turnaround for your nation and does your government much credit, as well as that of the Baltican people. The economic and infrastructure expansion that your government has overseen has been one of the major successes of any wurld economy in recent years.

As your excellency may know, my company is one of the premier manufacturers of agricultural machinery on Eurth. It has been one of the driving forces behind the success of the Aroman agricultural sector. Our history as manufacturers of tractors, forestry machinery and more goes back over a century and a half. As can be imagined, our history, expertise and history of expertise has meant that my company can recognise situations that would be beneficial to all of the parties involved. Such as the potential for investment that the industrial parks that your government is setting up in the east of your country.

Due to this, as well as the undoubtedly favourable location that the United Federation has in southern Argis, my company, Ioannes Kervos, would like to request that the government of Baltica consider allowing us to set up several factories within your nation. The establishment of manufacturing facilities would be a significant boost to your nation, in several ways. Firstly, it would enable the farmers of your nation to purchase Ioannes Kervos tractors, agricultural machinery and many of our other products without having to pay the expense of importing them from Aromania. Secondly, it would benefit your nation's economy through job creation on several levels – the construction of the factories themselves, the long-term employment within the factories as well as ancillary and support staff on top of that.

Working together, we can make Baltica a manufacturing centre for southern Argis. Ioannes Kervos tractors will drive the agricultural boom in your nation and help you to become the breadbasket of Argis. Tractors and machinery designed in Aromania and made in Baltica can be exported all over the continent, aiding not just your people and economy but much of the rest of the continent.

I do hope that this spurs some interesting and mutually agreeable conversations between us.

Innokentia Ptochoprodroma,

Director of International Sales,

Ioannes Kervos

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

To: His Excellency, Rupert Waltz, Minister of Economics of the Federation of @Baltica

From: Innokentia Ptokhoprodroma, Director of International Sales, Ioannes Kervos

 

Your Excellency,

I thank you for your swift and informative reply. For a long time, it has often seemed that much of central Argis has been closed to business from outside nations – whether through the occasional bout of anarchy that has swept through that part of the continent or due to the prevalence of regimes with an anti-business slant. It is heartening to see that the nation and people of Baltica have a very different mindset than many of your neighbours. It means that your government and your people can take advantage of the best the wurld has to offer and, in turn, offer opportunities that other nations might not be willing to put forward.

It speaks well of our future relationship that your government is willing to offer such generous help at this point. As was previously stated, Baltica's location at the mouth of the Keelpijp and in southern Argis means that your nation's potential as a logistical hub is almost unmatched. Although it is hoped by my employers that the logistical potential of the Federation is but one facet of our relationship. Helping to take Baltican agriculture into the new century and building a lasting partnership with your government are other facets. The main one, however, is helping the people of Baltica grow from the ashes of the civil war to new heights. It is clear – or should be clear – to all that your nation has great plans for the future. My company equally plans to be in at the start of these.

Of course, I have relayed your offers for help in the importation of machinery and work visas to my company. In turn, my company does not believe that the Holy Imperial Government will stand in the way of the exportation of machinery to your nation. Although the Aroman government can appear to be old fashioned – at best – at times, they have shown that they are keen to encourage trade with other nations. The relationship between my company and your government could well signal the possibility of a wider trade agreement but I cannot make any promises.

After all, Ioannes Kervos' motto of “Growing Success” is no idle boast. We were a driving force in the last agricultural revolution and we aim to be the same in the next.

Innokentia Ptokhoprodroma,

Director of International Sales,

Ioannes Kervos

[Baltica]

Bolka Electronics

The Baltican Electronics market, despite its relatively unimpressive size, remains one of the few Industries in Baltica that has continued to flourish both during the Republic Era and the newly come Federation Era. The isolationist policies that had otherwise killed off other emerging Industries (Rail and motor for example) have allowed the electronics market to flourish even after the new liberal policies introduced by the Federal Government. Bolka Electronics, which specialises in everything from mobile phones, telecommunication and even basic appliances, has maintained a monopoly in the Baltican electronics market ever since its establishment in 1963, but nonetheless competitive ever since it's been allowed to expand internationally. Stationed within the Sister Republic of Belgorta, Bolka has remained one of the largest firms within Baltica for quite some time and now sees itself making its first natural expansion since the Second Baltican Civil War. This expansion comes in the form of a partnership between the @Esonice firm Masatomi. The main goal of the joint partnerships is to oversee the development of new Baltican smartphones, with smartphones being a particular speciality of Masatomi. 

The Mas-Bo Line

The new smartphone range (Referred to as the Mas-Bo line) is aimed to be quite high-end, at least compared to the regular Baltican smartphone range. It will combine hardware from both Bolka and Masatomi to create a mobile device suited towards both the Baltican, Esonice and International markets. Unlike most Baltican smartphones which still utilise the “flip-phone” design, the Mas-Bo line is intended to be much more conventional, incorporating a design similar to the smartphones which currently dominate the high-end and even low-end international markets. Additionally, greater emphasis is being placed on the Mas-Bo camera quality, something which has historically been lacking amongst the other Bolka phone lineups. Hardware in general is receiving major improvements, with most parts being directly provided by Masatomi; with plans in future to open individual hardware factories within Baltica itself so fewer components have to be imported outright from Esonice. The Mas-Bo range of phones will be constructed fully in Baltica, but the individual parts and programming are provided by Masatomi. Profits from the Mas-Bo line are also intended to be split evenly between Bolka and Masatomi, with a small fraction of the joint profits being dedicated towards research and development to further the Mas-Bo line as well as other joint phone ventures between Bolka and Masatomi. 

The Mas-Bo Click

The Mas-Bo click is intended to be rolled out alongside the standard Mas-Bo line. However, unlike the Mas-Bo which will come prebuilt with the best parts available from Bolka and Masatomi alike, the Mas-Bo Click line will be fully modular, allowing users to switch out the parts of the base frame and customise them to their liking. The Modular Phone concept is one that hasn't been pursued amongst other phone companies, mainly because it's much simpler and in many cases more profitable to just offer a pre-built phone to consumers. However, within the Baltican market and in some cases the Esonice market, allowing consumers to “build” a phone which talers to their needs may see some success. A modular phone allows those with a smaller budget to only focus on what they need in a smartphone and further allows more people to have access to mobile phones as a whole. Additionally, there may be a greater profit margin, as selling parts individually can bring a continuous profit revenue for Bolka and Masatomi alike. Hence the Mas-Bo Click line, although experimental, has been the primary focus of the Bolka-Masatomi partnership, even more than the standard Mas-Bo line. The Mas-Bo click concept goes as follows…

 

• A “Frame” plate acts as the core of the phone, with a total of three base frames being available for consumers. The frame is essentially what holds all the parts of the phone together, and the primary difference between the individual plates is both how large they are (Different plates accommodate different screens) and how many individual modules (Parts) they can hold. 
• The Modules or “Parts” are the physical parts of the phone that consumers can interchange freely. This includes things such as the Camera Module, Microphone Module, Speaker Module and so on. These are the main parts that consumers are able to change and customise, with different levels of Modules being available for the consumer to interchange. A person can choose to have all base modules, or almost none if they so choose.
• The Core Components refer to the parts of the phone that are necessary for it to function, things like the CPU, GPU, Battery etc. These parts are required, but they nonetheless can be changed around depending on what the consumer needs. If someone wants a big battery instead of the standard one, they can opt-out and use a larger battery, with the same being the case for other core components. 
• The Screen or Display is also technically a “Core Component”, but is categorised in its own category. There are a total of three different displays for each of the free base plates, with the lower-end ones either being smaller or having a lower fresh rate, whilst the more expensive ones have better ones. 
• Add-on Modules are modules which otherwise don't come with standard phones. They are parts which allow people to truly personalise their phone from others, although they are technically still only add-ons, and not required for a Mas-Bo phone to function. Add-on Modules include things like a second “Back” Display screen a stylus pen holder and so on. Add-on modules are still in their infancy, however, and are expected to be rolled out gradually depending on market feedback from the Mas-Bo Click line. 

 

Although the Mas-Bo Click will allow people to fully customise their phones, they will come in three available “Packages” which consumers can choose between. This will include a Low-end Cheap package, a Midline package and a High-Range package. These packages will be similar to pre-built phones, as they will come with the phone fully preassembled. However, they will still allow for parts to be interchanged and if a consumer so chooses, they can opt-out from buying a pre-assembled package and build a phone entirely from scratch, by buying the individual parts themselves. In Baltica, a person can purchase said parts from existing phone retailers or Bolka stores themselves. However, in part because of the changing times and the difficulty of assembling all parts needed for a functional Mas-Bo Click, a large effort is being put into developing easy ways for consumers to access parts online, through the Bolka Online Shop. Most real-life locations aren't expected to carry all parts of the Mas-Bo Click line on hand, instead, most will focus on storing and selling the individual “Packages' '.  With the response of the market to the Mas-Bo Click line, Bolka and Masatomi are deciding to take it “slow” so to speak, promoting the individual packages whilst promoting the modular concept to those interested. Ultimately how successful the Mas-Bo click line will be is still largely up to the market and the response from individual consumers, but with hopes remaining high amongst Investors and shareholders alike, the expectation for Mas-Bo click to be a success is there, and the pressure of it failing ever more so. 

(Released Images of the Mas-Bo Click) 

(Bolka Logo)

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

To: His Excellency, Rupert Waltz, Minister of Economics of the United Federation of @Baltica

From: Methodianos Vendemianos, Executive Director of Sales of IKV

 

Your Excellency,

It is becoming increasingly clear that your great nation, the United Federation of Baltica, is undergoing an economic renaissance that all other nations of Eurth can only look upon with envy. This is especially the case, since your nation has been able to throw off the disruption of your recent civil war so quickly. This economic boom is undoubtedly also rapidly becoming a construction boom and, if I may be so blunt, is where IKV can be of assistance to your nation and your people, as well as a great business opportunity for the businesses of Baltica. Your nation is rapidly becoming known as one that is extremely business-friendly and orientated towards economic growth and development.

IKV – founded as Ioulianos Konstantinos Vendemianos Excavators in the aftermath of the Long War – is one of the principal manufacturers of construction equipment in Aromania, and therefore the Occident and much of Europa. Our machinery can be seen on construction sites across Eurth and is being used on most of the great civil engineering projects across the glube. But we go beyond that, as not only are IKV plant and machinery used for great works but almost every small project as well. Our machines' reliability and flexibility are known throughout the construction industry and they would be a boon to the growth of the economy of Baltica.

I would therefore ask that your government consider a request from IKV to allow us to open several factories in the industrial parks that you have set up. This would mean that the construction companies of Baltica have a direct access to our plant and equipment, reducing the need to import from outside of your nation. The factories themselves will, of course, provide employment for your people and there will undoubtedly be expertise gained from the experience of IKV. This would be especially beneficial for any large-scale projects that are planned by your government or organisations within it, as there would be no need to import either the machines themselves or spare or replacement parts from Aromania, as they would all be manufactured within your nation.

As well as this, the fact that Baltica is a natural hub for the rest of central Argis would mean that IKV factories would also increase trade between your nation and your neighbours. As can be imagined, this can only benefit your people and government in the long run.

I await your reply and I pray that this will herald the start of a long and fruitful relationship between my company and the people of Baltica.

Methodianos Vendemianos

Executive Director of Sales

IKV

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

To: His Excellency, Rupert Waltz, Minister of Economics of the United Federation of @Baltica

From: Iosefos Frigidianos, Director of International Operations of Boukkouleios

 

Your Excellency,

It is becoming clear that the United Federation of Baltica is coming on leaps and bounds, with your nation becoming one of the leading growing economies of Argis. It would be no hyperbole to state that there is a good likelihood that Baltica will be one of the strongest economies in southern Argis within the decade, if not before. There are few others that can match the dynamism or ability to see and seize opportunities that lay before them much as your government or your people. This is also off the back of a conflict that shocked the wurld.

It is also known that your government is encouraging an atmosphere that is friendly to foreign businesses. I would not presume anything, but it is also clear that your nation has welcomed some businesses from Aromania.

The company I work for, Boukkouleios, is one of the leading construction and civil engineering companies in Aromania, with branches across the Occident and into the wider Europa. Our expertise and experience lies within infrastructure and civil engineering projects – including highways and railways – often as a primary contractor or as part of a joint venture with other companies, whether from Aromania or from other countries. This is especially the case with our offices based outside of Aromania. Boukkouleios can also act in a consultation capacity and our company also maintains a public and private housebuilding arm.

Although perhaps not a recent project, one of my company's great successes was acting as part of the joint venture – along with numerous Aroman, foreign and governmental organisations – that constructed the Isthmus Canal that now joins the Bay of Stratonis and the Gulf of Dymafos. We can lend this level of experience to any construction project that we work on.

To this end, I am requesting that your excellency allow Boukkouleios to open an overseas office within the United Federation. We would be able to take on both governmental projects and large-scale private ones as well. Not only that, but we can also help train the next generation of Baltican engineers, surveyors, quantity surveyors, construction managers and consultants through our successful apprenticeship schemes.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

May God see to it that Baltica continues to rise.

Iosefos Frigidianos

Director of International Operations

Boukkouleios

[Baltica]

The Coca Trade

There are many things the Sister Republic of Belgorta is known for. Industry, Commerce, Innovation and its many electronic goods. It's lesser known, however, for its immense appetite for illegal goods. Although the status of drugs in Baltica is dubious, the consensus is that natural, non-synthetic drugs are legal, and are allowed to be openly consumed and sold within the whole nation. Historically, most of Belgorta was able to meet its sinful needs with the locally produced mushrooms and the refined Citrus Perkunnesis, but the demand for drugs would explode during the late Republic Era of Baltica. Belgorta had become the industrial hotspot of Baltica, and with it grew a substantial tertiary sector, with the Belgorta stock exchange rivalling that of the former capital, Goja. Many of the notably well-off stock brokers and industrialists subsequently became entranced with foreign products, which were considered banned by the isolationist government. Among them were recreational drugs, which were otherwise unable to be produced in Baltica, or were banned by law. Getting these products into Baltica was a difficult task, but a most profitable one. Many rural and isolated docks in Dokestva suddenly reported sky-high revenues, as they became safe havens for illegal product imports, whilst rural and semi-nomadic people along the North Baltican border also subsequently saw riches smuggling goods from the Pojacki Border. 

The modern Federal Government has adopted many of the same laws as the former Republic, most notably, its stance on drugs has remained largely the same. However, with the isolationist policies gone, Belgorta, and subsequently Baltica, has become the destination for all manner of goods otherwise outlawed or banned by the international community. The re-emergence of Belgorta especially, has seen it return to its position as the drug capital of the nation, all of it fuelled by Baltica’s new and growing apatite for Coca...

The Emergence of Coca and “Investors Sugar”

“Investors Sugar '' otherwise known by the glubal term “Cocaine” has grown in consumption substantially ever since the end of isolationist policies. As the government has not yet decided if it's a synthetic drug or not, its use has remained legal and enjoyed particularly by the economic elite of Belgorta and the various urban centres of the nation. The term “Investors Sugar '' is a new one, as Cocaine in Baltica had always gone under the name “White Gold”, as its price was particularly high during the Republic period, and those who dealt with it made a huge profit on its sale. In recent days, all former Baltican smuggling operations have all but vanished, as the Santa Polvo Cartel has taken over all former Baltican operations. With Cocaine in legal limbo, the Santa Polvo Cartel has made a fortune selling it to the Baltican population, and although the cartel is otherwise unable to sell their products outside of Baltica (Legally at least), Baltica has not only acted as a “Money Laundering” hub for the cartel (As its profits in Baltica are considered legal by the state) but also subsequently become the cartel's number one customer.

Coca leaf also become a popular foreign product within the Baltican market. Although it is nowhere near as strong as its processed counterpart, Coca leaves are seen as the “healthier” alternative, and one that particularly meshes well with the existing Baltican natural medicine practices. Coca Leaf tea, as well as Coca infused drinks, have grown in number considerably, and are openly sold in Baltican stores; although its consumption is much more regulated, with people under the age of 20 unable to purchase Coca products, and Coca sales requiring a licence. Malava Incorporated is a particularly large firm which has created a large line of Coca products, from Coca-infused soft drinks to Coca-infused liquor. Baltican Coca Wine has developed a particular niche within the market, rivalling the likes of Lemon Wine sales within Belgorta and Dokestva. Many believe that although cocaine may become illegal one day, Coca leaves and their respective products might continue to develop as an industry and commodity within Baltica. All raw Coca comes from @Pecario, some of it provided by legitimate farmers, and the other half by the previously mentioned Santa Polvo Cartel. All Coca products are also required to enter Baltica through the port of Miyask, which is partly owned by the Pecarian Government, with suspected ties to the various cartels of the Nation...

(Coca Leaf Tea, served in most Belgorta Coffee Shops)