Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 301 Watching a Show
In this situation, Naples underwent another change. King Francesco II committed suicide, perhaps seeking complete liberation.

However, what the servant couldn't understand was why someone would shoot three times in the back to commit suicide.

With the king's death, the royalists completely consolidated their opinions. Since the king had no children, everything was decided by the Queen Mother, Theresa of Austria, who decided that Maximilian would become King of the Two Sicilies; this was probably the only solution.

Iran is naturally just watching the show, and will simply sell some goods occasionally. Making money is no priority for them.

Iran's trade volume has increased to 5068 million rials, 50% of which is kerosene. At an exhibition at the Paris Exposition, kerosene lamps quickly gained popularity. No one knows that the Poles were the first to invent the kerosene lamp; they only know that Iran popularized this more efficient method of lighting.

In Europe, the number of kerosene lamp users quickly increased from a few hundred to over a million, as kerosene was inexpensive and affordable even for ordinary people. This led to a rapid increase in its usage.

Not only kerosene, but also other petroleum-derived products such as lubricants are selling very well in exports. This is just the beginning; with more and more users of kerosene, a steady stream of wealth awaits Iran.

Meanwhile, off the coast of Africa, a joint venture between Iran and France finally discovered oil fields inland from Ivory Coast and began investing in their development. Napoleon III, determined to establish colonies as quickly as possible, was determined not to let Britain steal this opportunity.

Nasserdin understood that for oil to be used more effectively, the internal combustion engine had to be developed. This would also allow the automobile industry to flourish, but it was a long-term process, and scientific research could not be neglected.

"Our engineers are still working on the problem."

Since receiving the Shah's prize, Étienne Lenoir has devoted himself entirely to research. His self-developed machine, however, is inferior to the steam engine and requires improvement.

Currently, using natural gas as a fuel has significantly improved efficiency, but it's still not enough. Kerosene byproducts are sufficient for combustion, but they're too high-volume; the engine burns them all up without generating much power. Further research and development are needed.

"Grand Vizier, Austria wants to buy weapons." Abdullah handed Amir a letter from the Austrian ambassador.

What do they want to buy?

"150 Nadir-type machine guns, 200 million rounds of ammunition..."

Amir listened with confusion. Wasn't Austrian weapons supposed to be of good quality? Why did they need to buy them from Iran?
All of these items, added together, don't amount to much. There shouldn't be any problems; all that's needed is Shah's approval.

Amir turned to the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Industry and Commerce and asked, "Transportation and industry and commerce are closely linked. What's the situation like lately?"

Transport Minister Jamal first explained the situation, stating that all railway projects were progressing normally. The Hakka-Chongqing Railway and the Persian Gulf Railway are expected to be completed in two years. The Qinestan Railway faces some difficulties, as it has been unable to traverse the Mekong River basin between Saigon and Vientiane. In the Khun Ngum Falls area, only bridges can be constructed.

"This is the most difficult part for us. If we want to build to Vientiane and Luang Prabang, we will have to pay the price of 100,000 people."

Compared to other inhumane colonizers, Iran is considered to have some humanistic concern. However, the Transport Minister said this wasn't genuine concern for people, but rather that such practices would incur even greater costs. "Don't worry, this won't be necessary soon. Let the railways stop for now. Focus on repairing the railways in Africa first."

Currently, there is only one coastal railway in Africa, running from Mogadishu to Mombasa in the south, and extending to Fahta. This railway carries all the goods transported in East Africa, and now they plan to extend it all the way to Lake Nasser al-Din, and then further down to the vicinity of Zanzibar.

Jamal quickly added, "Railway construction in Africa also presents difficulties. The route from Mombasa to Lake Naserdin involves traversing rainforests, malaria, and venomous snakes."

Amir waved his hand: "Have the Ministry of Health send a medical team along. Also, it would be best to recruit laborers from other places; they are more adapted to the climate."

Besides railways, ports and highways are also the responsibility of the Ministry of Transport. In eastern Iran, highways are used to cover areas not served by railways.

Industry and Commerce Minister Hussein continued, "However, while railway construction has encountered difficulties, the momentum of industrial and commercial development is good. Statistics from last month show that the number of factories nationwide has increased by 15%, particularly in oil-related industries."

“Get to the point,” Amir interrupted. “Yes,” Hussein wiped the sweat from his brow, “kerosene exports increased by 30% year-on-year, and lubricant exports by 25%. But the most exciting development is the textile industry; we’ve already started exporting textiles to Egypt.”

It's well known that Egypt is undergoing modernization reforms, but unlike Iran's reforms, these changes are primarily material, essentially aimed at maintaining its rule. Local industries also serve Ali's external expansion, largely failing to drive Egypt's industrialization and going bankrupt after the Second Egyptian-Turkish War.

Iranian textiles are one-third cheaper than British textiles, and due to price considerations, more and more Egyptians want to import Iranian goods.

Not only textiles, but also sugar and tobacco are imported from Iran, while Egypt's main exports are cotton and grain. This has led to soaring food prices and protests from the Egyptian people, and it seems the current Khedif may be feeling the pressure.

The Minister of Industry and Commerce interjected at the opportune moment: "Your Majesty, the French ambassador proposed yesterday that a joint venture be established in Lagos to build a kerosene refinery."

“That works,” Amir said without hesitation, “but tell them the technical aspects must be handled by our country. Also,” he turned to the Minister of Industry and Commerce, “you mentioned kerosene exports are increasing, but what about the price?”

More sweat beaded on Hussein's forehead: "Due to the rapid development of the United States, market prices have fallen by 5%."

"America!" Amir knew that Pennsylvania was an important oil-producing region for them. He hadn't expected them to develop so quickly.

"Yes, it's the United States. I heard they drill an oil well every three days. It's so crowded and lively there."

America's resources are the envy of others; otherwise, why would people say it's a sign of divine mandate? This is their chosen land. (A bit shameless, really.)
Currently, Iran and the United States are vying for the top spot in the kerosene market. However, there's a problem: US kerosene can enter Iran, but Iranian kerosene cannot enter the US; it has to pay a 99% tariff. Isn't this a clear attempt to shut them out?

Iran's investments in the region have been progressing smoothly, particularly in the coal sector. Investment has been rapid in the western region, which hasn't yet been established as a state, as no one else was willing to invest there; Iran was the first.

(End of this chapter)