Syrixia:
The GNPTA does not require trade with all GNPTA nations, nor does it require to provide service to all members. It is simply to promote more trade between TNP nations, as you said.
As the Administrator State, Eumenor sets all the tariffs, though the Eumenorians only sign them into law and new tariff settings must be supported by a 2/3 majority vote; voters vote by saying "Aye" or "Nay". We haven't got around to setting tariffs at the moment, however.
The GNPTA is the biggest trade agreement in the region, and as such by joining it you have a lot of options on who to trade with and what to import. Plus, by trading within the GNPTA, Scandigrad can foster better relations with many nations. So; all in all, joining the GNPTA is better than refusing to do so.
Without wishing to tread on any toes here Syrixia, this was not what I had in mind for the route. We may be talking at crossed purposes. This is not a free trade network. A free trade network of that sort is not necessarily a good thing, as it deprives nations of the income from trade tariffs necessary to build an economy, and could actually end up with member nations avoiding trade with one another because of loss of profitability. Where tariffs are concerned, I have no intention of setting a region wide tariff, as stated in an earlier post where I attempted to clarify this for you. I quote:
"Happy to oblige, McMasterdonia.
We are by no means creating a free trade system. Tariffs will still apply, and there is flexibility for each state to set its own. However, we wish to set up the sort of infrastructure that does not exist in the North Pacific as of yet. We wish to provide a reliable and regular stream of ships circulating between nations to form a network to be used by small businesses and large government agencies to encourage trade and the transfer of goods from place to place. The prices associated with importing goods would remain, although perhaps you could consider lowering tariffs for new nations to help them to get their economies growing. This route would bring members closer together in terms of regional relations, as well as in physical time terms. This is not a free trade zone, but it will promote trade, ultimately bringing more business to powerhouse nations such as yours, and helping to get a good start for new TNPers just starting to build their trade empires. Of course, if you wish to edit Syrixia's and my own plans for this route to something that you feel is more reasonable, please do not hesitate to say so - your experience is much needed!"
And slightly later:
"Clear purpose? Well, for one thing, emulating the real world. While there is no in-game function, there are many RL trade treaties, and in the interest of being realistic, it would be good for countries to be part of international routes like these: Posted Image
Also, it should hopefully aim to create a strong community, where we can collaborate on projects, such as Syrixia's space programme for which I am supplying some resources and funding as well as aiding in the design process, or my planned nuclear fusion energy campaign."
This route is here to encourage and facilitate trading, build relationships, aid new nations in getting into the community and building their economies, and of course bring money into the states that are part of it through increased flow of goods. You are absolutely encouraged to set your own tariffs. I ask that they are not so high as to price out smaller nations, but this is your choice.
Sounds like a good idea. Nasania has only one main port as well, Rumarusu. Everything goes through that city to get to our capital, which is upriver. To have the availability of embassies in our ports would save on transit time for our representaives. We could even have a cool badge in the signature that shows membership in GNPTA (the Great North Pacific Trade Agreement) and confers diplomatic privileges.
