Fiction:Gigaquadrantic Intergalactic Trade Organization

"The most powerful force in the universe is compound interest."

- Albert Einstein

The Gigaquadrantic Intergalactic Trade Organization (GITO) is an economic and astropolitical body of free trade groups operating within the bulk of the Xonexi cluster and in the. GITO differs from other trade bodies in that aside having several sovereign states as partners it also includes other international bodies such as the and. Members work together to abolish trade barriers between one another and on developmental and research projects in order to improve the average quality of life in the First Gigaquadrant.

Despite its age, being founded in 2797, GITO commands a great deal of influence politically and economically. This is presumably due to the influence of its founding members: the, , and French Colonial Empire.

History
The first signs of fracturing within the Universal Trade Union came in December 2790, then-Grand mandator of the  visited  to arrange an alliance between the Empire and the. However, at the last minute the Grand Mandator pulled out of the talks without explanation or provocation. This diplomatic slight sparked a period of anti-imperial sentiment in both the Andromeda and Bunsen galaxies. This sentiment continued for five years until efforts were made to improve relations, but doubts persisted over whether the Empire could be trusted.

Late 2797 saw an international summit of businessmen and dignitaries from the, , and France. Though it was not the original purpose of the talks, many expressed concerns and discontent with the amount of influence the Galactic Empire of Cyrannus held in the Universal Trade Union.

Attending the summit as a guest of honour was, who talked with businessmen and other dignitaries about setting up a free-trade zone within the Xonexi cluster, separate from the control of the Empire. The idea caught on and persisted throughout the summit, and some dignitaries even drew up an initial drafts of what would later become the Gigaquadrantic Intergalactic Trade Organisation.

After thoroughly exploring the idea through diplomatic channels, delegates from many of the same nations met again in 2798 in order to formalize the founding of the organization. In recognition of the Draconid Imperium's economic influence in the region, the commercial moon of was named the Headquarters of the organization.

Within its first few years, the organization was bolstered with new members such as the, , the , among others. Joint engineering projects between members facilitated the construction of wormhole infrastructure that connected trade capitals and other commercial hubs across the First Gigaquadrant.

Infrastructure
GITO relies on a network of wormholes and FTL relays scattered across known space for lag-free realtime FTL communication between trading parties. In order to facilitate trade, galactic trade capitals, economically influential planets which could serve as links in the GITO network, were named. Each of these planets are connected by wormholes to all of the other economic capitals, greatly facilitating trade across the Gigaquadrant. Each GITO capital is equipped with a stock exchange, a market, and a currency exchange linked to the organization's main infrastructure on.

Regional economic capitals were also named in order to connect isolated regions like the Katar Sector to the main GITO network. These are also equipped with stock exchanges, markets, and currency exchanges, though these are typically smaller in size and influence given the smaller area they have command over.

Sphere of Influence
GITO's economic sphere of influence is often considered to be the amalgam of the influence of its constituent entities, stretching through most of Andromeda and Bunsen, both of which are considered to be its largest strongholds. The Milky Way, home to the and  as well as numerous Draconid and TIAF colonies, also has considerable GITO influence. Finally, GITO also has some influence in the Quadrants and Borealis, though its power is dwarfed by resident powers.

Policies
The Gigaquadrantic Intergalactic Trade Organisation maintains a decentralised free trade policy amongst its member states and networks. Members are held responsible for upholding their own trading standards. There are occasions where members of the organisation gather to collectively determine the legality of certain products. Businessmen and merchants with credentials from member states and organisations are given free-travel privileges within the Gigaquadrantic Intergalactic Trade Organisation allowing them to more effectively facilitate commerce within the organisation's boundaries.

The Organisation is more than an economic alliance. Members also foster large-scale development projects in order to improve local and galactic infrastructure and the quality of life of all under the organisation's influence. Members are also open to conducting joint research and development projects between institutions under the premise of mutual exchange.

Quotes
"For the cultures of known space to advance. What is needed a body that promises the prosperity to all who desire it. A body not under the command of a single state or authority, and one that does not discriminate though unfair practices. This organisation may be known space's best opportunity."

"Don't think your sphere of influance in the Quadrants gives you any authority over the Ramsoria Run or Rambo colonial sectors."

Trivia

 * GITO is as much a political organization as it is an economic one. Please consult Monet47 or The Clanden to join it.