With apparently a new century passed and tension looming in the Air, something must be done in Equestria. For the Betterment of her people and in the name of the Goddess Empress.
1. "Strike the Earth!"
Equestria is Fertile, the land is vast and her resources plentiful. It is time that she feeds her hungry people. The government shall provide empty, unused land to large families to move in, with some funding and tools for them to build their homes and ranches and toil their new land, with seeds to plant. Under the direction of the Government, no one in Equestria shall starve!
Oh and that Mountain? Yeah, we probably should start mining it. Some families given pickaxes will do!
2. "And they shall know her name.."
What's the best way in meeting new people? Why, with peaceful hands and friendship, of course. The Equestrian Government shall encourage for small groups of moderately funded volunteers to sail out towards both the Europes and the Americas as missionaries to land wherever fate may take them and take the words of the Goddess Empress with them, so that they may share with the world the beauty of Equestrian Faith and Culture. To build missions where prayers and education can be given to any who wishes for it.
3. "When in Peace.. Prepare for war."
With the endless wisdom of the Goddess Empress, the Equestrian Government are graced by her words. And it's so true! who knows what the other nations across the globe are doing? or what will they do! What can ensure the safety of all of Equestria and her people? Why, good education, of course. Right now, the industry is still being planned, and it will take time before a grand fleet or army could even be made.
But what we can do now is prepare the people for it, Equestria shall send out words that the Country needs a single son or daughter from every family throughout the land for the newly formed 1st Imperial Guard Regiment. Even if we don't have modern equipment to gear them with, uniforms will come in time. Until then, the Officers can start drilling disciplines into them, the priests shall keep them ever loyal and faithful to the Goddess Empress, and the very country will be their training ground where they are taken out by their officers to pave roads, march long hours, repair buildings, help til the fields and generally work for the betterment of the country including picking the cotton and working in cloth workstations to make the uniform for themselves and their fellow.
That should stroke their national pride while help making them become obedient, strong and enduring people, prime and ready for the next phase of training!