What the hell is a private enterprise?

Chapter 280 Tonight, We Are All Sailors
Tang Wen was paving the way for the Navy's billions in subsidies and was working hard to build cars, but the outside world was still debating the Second Fleet and the failure of the US military.

At yet another routine UN meeting, Zhang Siyuan once again opposed sending warships and armed forces to Antarctica, and received support from many small countries that could only watch helplessly.

Shortly after I saw the news on TV, a phone call came in.

It wasn't Lao Zhang, nor was it anyone else in the navy.

"It's me, Zhao Hande."

Tang Wen immediately remembered him; he was the leader of the inspection team that came last time.

This person spent several days loitering around Gaijin Network Company and even had a brief discussion with Tang Wen about their views on the future development of the domestic economy; they essentially boasted together.

"Director Zhao, what's wrong...?"

"Little Tang, I heard that Southeast Asia is going to issue loans to the country!"

One sentence succinctly explained the cause and effect, and Tang Wen instantly understood.

It's understandable that Zhao Hande, who works in economics, was brought in.

In fact, Lao Zhao himself was extremely surprised after being told some secrets about Gaijin, and he was even more amazed when he saw Tang Wen's plan for a loan of hundreds of billions.

What a clever tactic! On the surface, it's about selling warships, but in reality, it's about eyeing the lucrative domestic market!

In that instant, the higher authorities immediately understood the reason for the previous large-scale sale of cheap warships: given the immense potential of the domestic market, sacrificing some profits was worthwhile.

Using a battleship and an aircraft carrier to open up the market is indeed a very novel idea.

On the other hand, the higher-ups are much more at ease. They're not afraid of you being after money; they're afraid of you not being after money!

Although it involves profits from the two sensitive sectors of oil and automobiles, it is truly worth the huge initial investment in Southeast Asia.

Exporting a supercarrier, a national strategic asset, to China at this time would be a dead end if the US found out.

One hundred billion RMB is probably the limit that Chinese groups can provide.

Since Nanyang has shown its sincerity, this exchange agreement is indeed not out of the question.

"Xiao Tang, let me ask you how this car is made. If it's just imported and assembled, that won't do."

"of course not."

Tang Wen, who understood Zhao Hande's role as a proxy, immediately denied it and revealed his own plan:
"The first step is for Goose City to import a complete set of auto parts, assemble 100 to 200 vehicles, and learn the assembly process over a period of six months."

The second step involves Geijin providing all component design data and outsourcing the production and manufacturing of non-critical parts domestically, thus commencing formal sales, which will last for one to one and a half years.

The third step is to assimilate the technology, achieve complete domestic production, and possess a certain degree of independent research and development capability.

"I call it the three-step approach to car manufacturing: take 3 to 4 years to grow, and establish a domestic supply chain in the second year."

The car company in Goose City is 100% domestically owned, and the imported vehicles include technology; it does not follow the joint venture route.

"it is good!"

Zhao Hande was quite satisfied with this strategy. He directly introduced technology without forming a joint venture, which made it a local brand!

However, he then added:

"However, car manufacturing licenses cannot be granted casually. Currently, there is no opening to private enterprises, and there are many considerations behind this."

How about this: we'll grant the Feiyue Motors brand a separate license plate to the local government of Echeng, and you acquire it entirely?

"I'll listen to you."

Tang Wen immediately agreed, which was equivalent to obtaining independent qualifications, making it much easier to operate than selling directly to a private company.

Seeing that Tang Wen was on the right track, Zhao Hande coughed and said:
"I haven't even agreed to let it happen yet. Do you think something this big can be settled with just one phone call or a day or two?"

We're just seeing their attitude now; the discussions alone will take months.

Tang Wen: "..."

Indeed, they probably just want to find out how much Nanyang (Tangwen) is willing to accept the exchange agreement. It's still uncertain whether they will actually accept it, and even if it is possible, there will probably be many changes.

However, in order to expedite the implementation of the agreement, Tang Wen deliberately added fuel to the fire:

"Director Zhao, we can only discuss the supersonic transfer now because Old Mi's eyes have been drawn to Antarctica. The construction of the supercarrier will take place at the Geyserb shipyard. If it drags on too long, it will be difficult to transport the key equipment in later." Zhao Hande, of course, saw through this little scheme and snorted twice:
"I will relay this truthfully. Also, since you Southeast Asia have such deep connections in the West, there's something I need you to ask for their opinion on."

"Anyone from Southeast Asia who can offer suggestions?"

Tang Wen was somewhat surprised, but Zhao Hande genuinely admired the "Chinese in Southeast Asia".

The country attaches great importance to the prediction of an economic crisis next year, and has convened many far-sighted scholars to study it. They have ultimately determined that the probability is greater than 80%, and that preparations need to be made in advance.

This is enough to prove that Southeast Asia not only thrives in the West, but also has a deep understanding of the international economy, which is precisely what is lacking in China.

Zhao Hande: "Here's the thing, China only plans to send a dozen or so people to accompany the Russians on their Antarctic exploration mission, so for now we have a small bargaining chip. What do you think would be a suitable exchange?"

It is a well-known fact that the approval for armed forces to enter Antarctica will definitely be granted. Zhang Siyuan's opposition is only effective until the US runs out of patience.

"Could we exchange it for joining the WTO as soon as possible? The sooner the better."

The biggest benefit of joining the WTO is access to the global supply chain, which allows technology to flow into the country continuously. Although this has caused the demise of a large number of local companies, it is the best way to rapidly advance technological progress through a process of natural selection.

Joining the WTO means an improvement in overall industrial technology, a more complete industrial system, increased GDP, and the ability to buy more warships.

In short, it is beneficial and harmless.

"It's difficult, not that simple."

Zhao Hande explained:
"We've been talking for ten years, how could it be so easy for us to join?"

He understood the benefits better than Tang Wen, but the matter was far too complicated and not something that could be easily traded.

Tang Wen wasn't too surprised, after all... wait a minute, the original timeline joined the WTO in December 2001.

Prior to this, the Twin Towers shooting incident occurred, which diverted the US's attention, allowing the US to seize the opportunity to quickly reach an agreement and join the WTO.

The Second Fleet's influence was no less than that of 9/11, and it similarly diverted the US military's attention to desolate areas.

Tang Wen immediately realized the similarities between the two:

This is a tremendous opportunity!
And now, China is missing this opportunity!
Because last year's exercise exposed its own huge weaknesses, the country is now busy shrinking back like a hedgehog, which is why it did not seize this opportunity as keenly as the original timeline.

Tang Wen immediately grabbed the phone and said urgently:
"No, we shouldn't exchange conditions openly. On the contrary, we should strongly support the US."

Not only should we support Antarctic exploration, but we should also offer condolences to the families of the injured sailors of the Atlantic Fleet, donate funds to them, and commemorate their bravery! We should sing their praises for protecting all of humanity.

"..."

On the other end of the phone, Zhao Hande's mind went blank as he listened, wondering if he had misheard.

Is this Tang Wen?

"Xiao Tang, can you tell me why?"

why?
Tang Wen slapped his thigh and shouted loudly, disregarding his image:

"Don't ask anymore. Just repeat these words verbatim and someone will understand. Be quick, we can't take advantage of this opportunity!"
Old Zhao, please listen to me this once, I'm begging you!

Although still unclear about the details, Zhao Dehan agreed:

"Okay, I'll report it right away!"

After hanging up the phone, Tang Wen, like an anxious king, scratched his head, thinking of how to give it a push.

If we miss this opportunity, we don't know how long we'll have to wait. Who knows if the butterfly effect will allow the Twin Towers to get through 01 unscathed?
After a long while, the ship girl, carrying yet another experimental coconut latte, walked out of the kitchen and cautiously asked the distorted Tang Wen:
"Commander, I've prepared a new coconut milk today."

Tang Wen picked up the glass and drank it all in one gulp, then smacked his lips and said:
"It has that flavor, but it's a bit too strong. Well done."

The ship girl could tell he was being perfunctory but wasn't angry. Knowing Tang Wen was thinking, she gently said:

"Please go to the study; today's newspaper is already laid out."

Tang Wen nodded blankly, but something suddenly flashed through his mind when he heard the word "newspaper".

A second later, he seized the inspiration, turned around abruptly, lifted the 48950-ton ship girl high in the air, and kissed her hard several times:
"Great, I got it!"

Tang Wen put her down, practically jumped to the computer, opened Word, and wrote a title:
"Tonight, we are all American sailors."

(End of this chapter)