Hong Kong Island: From a small stall to a global supplier

Chapter 426 Pirates Appear
"Indonesia's main coal production areas are located in the eastern and southern parts of Kalimantan, accounting for 80% of Indonesia's current output. The Sughdal government began promoting coal exports two years ago, attracting foreign investment through 'contracts of work'."

Wei Tao took the organized materials and videos and began to explain them to Wang Yaotang.

"Currently, the largest coal mining areas are Kaltim Prima Coal, located in the Sangatta region of East Kalimantan Province, covering an area of ​​9 hectares. It was jointly established in 82 by Rio Tinto and BP. Its current production capacity is 700 million tons per year, and it is rapidly ramping up, expected to exceed 1500 million tons."

"The second largest mining area is Arutmin Indonesia, located in South Kalimantan Province. The mining area covers 81 hectares. It was established in 700 as a joint venture between Australia's BHP Billiton Group, which holds 80% of the shares, and Indonesia's Bakri family, which holds 20% of the shares. It has an annual output of 7 million tons."

"The third largest mining area is Berau Coal, located in the Berau Regency of East Kalimantan Province. The mining area covers 11.8 hectares. It is 60% owned by United Tractor Company, a subsidiary of the Lippo Group of the Li Wenzheng family. The control of the remaining 20% ​​is more complicated, and the last 20% is held by a Japanese company."

"The Bakri family is Suhato's core economic ally. The mining rights for Arutmin Indonesia were directly granted by Suhato, and it is highly likely that members of the Suhato family secretly hold shares and share profits. The group's business covers multiple sectors such as mining, oil and gas, real estate, infrastructure, plantations, media and telecommunications, and it is one of the largest business groups in Indonesia."

"The Lippo Group, owned by the Li Wenzheng family, is also a core economic ally of Su Hato. The Berau Coal coal mine was also directly granted by Su Hato. It can be confirmed that Su Hato's eldest daughter holds 16% of the shares of the Lippo Group. In addition, according to our understanding, the Lippo Group does not actually manage the coal mine."

Wang Yaotang clicked his tongue a few times, "Sure enough, real estate and such may seem wicked, but they're all pushovers in front of mining giants. Those who get involved in mining have the most powerful connections. With just one permit, they can take the lion's share without doing anything!"

"Damn it, none of them are easy to handle."

“Contact that Suha Tuo guy. He just wants a share of the money. It’s safer to have the money both domestically and internationally.” Awei thought for a moment and said, “He can’t be president forever. If he makes so much money, he’ll definitely be held accountable when he leaves office. We have to consider the safety of the funds.”

“I think it’s difficult. A coal mine has limited profits, and the president isn’t all alone. If he gives too little, we won’t make much profit. If he gives too much, the internal staff won’t agree. Why should those people agree to give us profits just because we say a few words?” The four-eyed guy shook his head. “Like Brother Yao said, there are no easy people to deal with in the mining business. No one will willingly give up their profits unless they fight a direct confrontation.”

"Ha, so you've become a proponent of war," A-Jie laughed. "Didn't you hate fighting and killing the most?"

“The mining industry is different.”

"Brother Yao, what do you mean?"

“Looking at the shareholding structure of the three mining areas, two are actually controlled by foreign companies. Sugatuo will at least have to rely on foreigners for now. What kind of technology does Indonesia have to develop large-scale coal mines? Are they going to use slaves to mine them? The operation of large-scale mining is very technically demanding.” Wang Yaotang shook his head. “The bulk of the profits are in the hands of Rio Tinto, BP, and BHP Billiton. If you want to get involved, you’ll definitely have to go through with them.”

"As for Suhatuo, even if we take him down and get a mining area directly from him, it won't be of any use. We don't have the development capabilities. We can't exactly go to Africa to capture slaves, can we?"

"Wei Tao, contact the person in charge at BP Hong Kong and schedule a time for me to visit them."

"Okay, Brother Yao." Wei Tao nodded and turned to leave.

"Just talk?" Aji suddenly asked.

"How could that be? Contact Putai Island and send 0 to Wenchong Shipyard for repairs. It's been so long since we bought it, it's time to get it used."

Two days later, at BP's Hong Kong headquarters.

Four bulletproof modified Ford vans escorted the bulletproof Cadillac in the middle as it slowly drove into the underground garage.

The advance security team had already arrived and set up a cordon, and the private elevator was already waiting there. No matter what, Wang Yaotang always paid great attention to his personal safety.

Irving Walker stood at the elevator entrance, smiling and extending his hand. "Mr. Wang, welcome, welcome! It's great to finally meet you. I've been wanting to visit you for a long time."

"Then why didn't you make a phone call?" Wang Yaotang reached out his hand. "Good morning, Mr. Owen."

Owen was taken aback, not expecting Wang Yaotang to speak so rudely. An awkward expression flashed across his face. "Mr. Wang, your business spans multiple fields, and you've recently been developing the Siamese market. I know you're very busy, and I wouldn't want to bother you without a good reason."

"Haha, just kidding, Mr. Owen, don't take it so seriously." Wang Yaotang laughed and patted the other man's arm.

"Come in, please. I'll show you around, Mr. Wang."

"please!"

BP's business in Hong Kong is not limited to gas stations; it also includes aviation fuel and marine fuel businesses. In addition, Castrol brand lubricants cover industrial oils such as hydraulic oils, gear oils, and metalworking fluids.

In addition, after the promulgation of the "Regulations on the Exploitation of Offshore Petroleum Resources by Foreign Cooperation" in its home country in 82, BP participated in the first round of international bidding and signed a contract with CNOOC in 83 to obtain the exploration rights for the Yacheng 13-1 gas field in the Yinggehai Basin.

Wang Yaotang's Tsing Yi Island pier warehouse is where BP supplies marine diesel fuel for cargo ships entering and leaving the port. At the same time, the heavy machinery lubricants for Tsing Yi Island pier and Tuen Mun pier are also purchased from BP.

There are still quite a few collaborations.

The brief tour upstairs and downstairs was just a formality. Half an hour later, the two groups went to the reception room to discuss the cooperation between the two companies, while Wang Yaotang and Owen went to his office alone.

"I've come to visit Mr. Owen this time because I have a favor to ask," Wang Yaotang said with a smile.

"Mr. Wang, please tell me. I'll definitely help if it's within my power," Owen said, making a grand promise.

"The first phase of the Tuen Mun Ferry Terminal project will be completed next year, and it will become Hong Kong's largest resource import and export port. Coal will be an important part of it. I want to enter Hong Kong's coal industry. Indonesia has abundant coal resources. BP has partnered with Rio Tinto to develop a large coal mine on East Kalimantan Island in Indonesia. The prospects are broad, and I want to acquire a portion of the mine's shares." Wang Yaotang made an outrageous demand.

Owen frowned. He was indeed the general manager of the Hong Kong region, but he was mainly responsible for oil-related businesses. The coal industry was a new business that the Asia-Pacific company had developed, and it had nothing to do with him.

Of course, this did not prevent him from concluding that the Asia-Pacific branch would definitely not agree.

Why!
Does your surname, Wang, indicate you have connections with the Indonesian government, experience and technology in mining development, or mastery of core machinery? At the very least, you should have a sales network that no one else can interfere with.

There's nothing there, just an unfinished dock. Why should you get the mining shares?

Forget about money; good businesses never lack investors!

“Mining business is not within my jurisdiction, but I will pass this on to BP Indonesia’s mining division. Whether or not we can cooperate is up to Mr. Wang to discuss with them himself.” Owen was not optimistic, but that didn’t stop him from making a small favor.

"Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Owen. I'll wait for your call," Wang Yaotang said with a smile.

……

Lion City, Asia Pacific Branch Headquarters.

On the desktop was a fax from Wang Yaotang expressing his desire to acquire shares in the KPC mining area, along with Wang Yaotang's basic information.

When Distin Miller, the general manager of the Asia-Pacific branch, received the fax, he was so angry he laughed. Without a second thought, he instructed his secretary to refuse it. To consider it even for a second longer would be irresponsible to the company!

Of course, he knew Irving wouldn't just pass on messages to him casually, so he still had someone deliver the other party's information.

With businesses spanning multiple industries including audio-visual product chains, chain nightclubs, hotels, clothing, mining, building materials, and docks, his personal assets are estimated to exceed $300 million. And four years ago, this guy was just a hoodlum… Distin Miller pursed his lips and threw the documents on his desk. “Fuck you, you piece of shit Chinese, you lowly thief!”

Why!
How can a lowly Chinese person earn so much wealth in four years, while a noble pure-blooded Anglo-Saxon like myself is still working as a professional manager!

These Chinese people deserve to die! That rich land should be God's gift to the Aons!
After venting his jealousy with a string of curses, Distin Miller picked it up again and looked at it. Owen had circled a security company called "Umbrella" under Wang Yaotang's name in red.

According to the information, Wang Yaotang came from an underground group and later developed a security company from the group. He took on a lot of bank escort business, secretly caused gunfights in Hong Kong many times, and had a record of using RPGs.

He is suspected of orchestrating several large-scale gun battles with local gangs in Bangkok, Pattaya, and Brisbane, killing many people, making him an extremely dangerous individual!

"Is this all you're relying on to get into the mining industry?" Distin Miller scoffed and tossed the documents into the trash can.

To become a mining player today, joining the mainstream industry is the entry-level requirement!
This is something no underground force can compare to.

Distin Miller didn't take it to heart, and neither did Wang Yaotang. It was just a casual greeting, to avoid any trouble with the other party's goods without knowing who was behind it.

He was already sitting in the reception room of the Guangdong Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau. The items to be purchased this time were very diverse, mainly industrial products, and Old Zhao from the Guangdong Foreign Trade Bureau did not have the authority to do so.

"Director Huang, here is the procurement list. Please take a look." Wang Yaotang gestured, and Wei Tao handed over a list.

"Okay, let me take a look. Comrade Yaotang, please wait a moment." Director Huang smiled and took the document.

解放汽车100辆、东方红12拖拉机500辆，东方红 54型履带拖拉机200辆，配套的维修厂以及易损零配件若干。

Small hydropower station, complete solution including substation and power transmission, installed capacity to be determined, on-site inspection required.

A crossbar telephone network with an installed capacity of 5000 lines, including line laying.

Small road construction machinery and equipment, large mining equipment, medium-sized brick kiln equipment...

In addition to the large equipment mentioned above, there are also a large number of daily necessities, with a total procurement amount exceeding 3800 million.

From vehicles to mining equipment, foreign products are definitely better. Even Wang Yaotang's own quarry uses imported mining equipment, but domestic products are cheaper!
These devices cost at least three times more to import from abroad, but that's not the main problem. The main problem is that there are no supporting technical services when you buy foreign products.

Those foreigners wouldn't willingly work in a godforsaken place like Shan State, much less be responsible for teaching and training the locals how to use and maintain it.

To be honest, Wang Yaotang himself was a little embarrassed. Building a telephone network with 5000 lines only cost $30. That amount wasn't even enough to cover the cost of hiring foreign technicians, let alone having people go through the jungle to lay telephone lines. It was simply a pipe dream.

A small hydropower station with an installed capacity of 3000 kilowatts, not considering building materials, costs a total of $80... and then we have to provide technical services for a long time afterward. Where can we find people to do that?

Globally, only Laos and China can provide a complete set of industrial equipment and technical support services.

After reading it once, Director Huang took off his glasses and wiped them.

Wang Yaotang licked his lips and said loudly, "I know things are a bit difficult, but Director Huang, don't worry, we will definitely not make things difficult for our hometown in terms of price!"

"Hehe, it's not really a difficult situation." Director Huang put his glasses back on. "The main problem is that the location is in Shan State, where the security situation is not ideal. Also, there are many skilled workers involved in the various jobs, so the government has to consider the safety of the workers."

"Director Huang can rest assured about that. The control problem of the fake Burma... cough cough, Jingdong has been completely resolved."

Director Huang: You just said it was a fake Myanmar?

Wang Yaotang: I didn't say that, I'm not him, don't talk nonsense!
"What I mean is that the local Kengtung municipal government can guarantee safety. They will build a special building for our technical staff to live in, and it will be separated from the locals to ensure safety. My protection company will also send special personnel to protect us. There is no need to worry about safety."

“We need to send someone to investigate. Of course, if Comrade Yaotang hires people from the public himself, then we won’t have any problems,” Director Huang said after a moment’s thought.

This was only because of Wang Yaotang's reputation as a "patriotic businessman," otherwise he wouldn't have dared to agree, as he would be responsible if a major problem arose.

“I’ve considered hiring individuals, but there are too many people involved and the industries are too diverse. It would be more convenient for everyone if domestic companies directly send people abroad and I settle accounts in US dollars. The duration of this job is estimated to be in the years, and later it may involve agricultural experts…” Wang Yaotang explained what he was doing in Shan State, and then brought up the idea of ​​promoting the local economy, reducing dependence on the opium economy, and helping the anti-drug cause.

Believe it or not, once you add value, many things become much easier to discuss.

It's definitely not because Wang Yaotang said that the annual salary of 1000 people could reach 500 million US dollars.

Wang Yaotang insisted on sending people from the domestic government because these people would have an official identity, and neither Luo Xinghan nor the Burmese military government would dare to have any ulterior motives.

The allocation of cars, tractors, steel, daily necessities and the like takes a lot of time, but it is possible to organize a group of people to go to Shan State for inspection first. Wang Yaotang will take care of the travel arrangements.

While he was busy with these things.

The area between the NSQD and Palawan Island in the Philippines is only about 60 kilometers wide. The Xingye is anchored on the South China Sea side, while two 0 patrol boats are quietly anchored about 10 kilometers away near the channel. The cannons on the ships are covered with thick tarpaulins. Four patrol boats go even further and directly into the channel 20 kilometers away.

Bulk coal ships departing from the Tanjung Bala coal terminal would bypass the Sulu Sea and then head north along the South China Sea. In the early 80s, Indonesia's three largest coal export markets were Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. These bulk carriers generally did not pass through the Sulu Sea via the Philippine waterway, simply because there were too many Filipino fishermen and pirates!

The South China Sea is relatively safer.

Of course, this may not be the case at a specific time...

Just like now.

The bulk carrier from the KPC coal mine at the Tanjung Bala coal terminal had just set sail when a call came to the Xingye. This wasn't a naval battle like in World War II; by simply calculating the economic speed and the distance along the route, they could roughly know when the cargo ship would arrive. A few hours in advance, four patrol boats were deployed.

At roughly the appointed time, a 10,000-ton bulk carrier slowly came into view, and a 037 received the order and turned its rudder to meet it head-on.

(End of this chapter)