Returning wealthy individuals develop their hometowns and become rich in the 1980s

"Humility is unacceptable!"

Ding Zhuo spoke slowly and deliberately, each word conveying a calm and capable demeanor. Chen Zaiguang nodded in appreciation, "Secretary Ding, I've kept your words in mind. Thank you to the Provincial Party Committee for recognizing and affirming our Guangdong Group!"

"In the future, Guangdong Group will definitely continue its efforts to promote the distinctive foods of our Tuocheng and even the entire Guangdong region to overseas markets and the world, creating a world-renowned brand for China!"

"Good, that's bold!"

"Hahaha!"

Ding Zhuo's remark about having "courage" elicited knowing smiles from all the cadres present. Zhou Haimin did not let everyone stand at the meeting room door, but took the initiative to guide Ding Zhuo, the provincial party secretary, to the small meeting room to sit down.

In the small conference room, after everyone was seated, Zhou Haimin, as the secretary of the Tuocheng Municipal Party Committee, personally presided over the meeting. He first reported to Ding Zhuo on the economic operation of Tuocheng in the first quarter, and then focused on the progress of the Xiaogongyuan area renovation.

After Zhou Haimin finished speaking, Mayor Guo Hengwen added a few points, all concerning the future industrial layout and investment attraction of Tuocheng.

Ding Zhuo listened attentively, occasionally jotting down notes in his notebook and interjecting with questions, all of which were specific: what were the demolition compensation standards, how many resettlement houses had been built, and when would the supporting schools be able to open.

Zhou Haimin and Guo Hengwen, the two top officials of Tuocheng, answered all the questions one by one, and could readily provide data. It was clear that they had done their homework for this "interview" with Provincial Party Secretary Ding Zhuo.

After listening, Ding Zhuo nodded. "Comrade Haimin, I have witnessed the changes in Tuocheng in recent years in Huadu. The achievements are the main thing, but the problems cannot be ignored."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, finally settling on Chen Dong. "Comrade Zai Dong, you've come back from America and seen the world. In your opinion, where does Tuocheng lag behind those developed cities abroad?"

The meeting room was quiet. Everyone put down their pens and looked up at Chen Dong. Chen Dong slowly put down his pen and looked at Ding Zhuo, saying, "Secretary Ding, that's a good question. The gap between Tuocheng and developed cities abroad is not in skyscrapers, the width of roads, or the sophistication of factory equipment, but in the market, and even more so in finance."

"For China's various industries to develop, they first need a mature market to absorb the products we produce. Currently, China is experiencing some shortages of goods, and there are very few substitutes. However, if the market is opened up and foreign capital is allowed to flood in, it will be a devastating blow to China's state-owned and private enterprises, which are currently undergoing reforms!"

"Therefore, I personally believe that it is still necessary to prioritize the establishment of a sound financial system to facilitate the transition and connection with international financial institutions. Secretary Ding, in the current international environment, no industrial development can grow without the operation of financial capital."

"I studied finance at Harvard University in America. America has a well-developed financial market with mature channels and rules for corporate finance, personal investment, and cross-border capital flows, which is something we can learn from."

At this point, Chen Dong glanced at Ding Zhuo, who was taking notes in his notebook. Chen Dong smiled and continued, "Our Tuocheng is a hometown of overseas Chinese, and overseas Chinese hold a large amount of foreign exchange. However, this money cannot come in. Of course, some people might argue that why should they have to invest in our Tuocheng? Can't they invest directly in Southeast Asia?"

"Yes, Comrade Zai Dong, that's exactly what I wanted to ask," Ding Zhuo said with a smile, jokingly, seeing that Chen Dong had already brought it up himself.

"Secretary Ding, the first requirement for capital investment is a high rate of return, and the higher the better. As long as the rate of return is high, some people will even leverage their investments by dozens of times," Chen Dong said, pointing to his finger.

"The second requirement is clarity, not just in terms of the business environment, but also in the clarity of the government's treatment of foreign investment. There can't be frequent policy changes. While fairness is important, you can't openly address corruption. In this regard, the governments of Southeast Asian countries are a veritable whorl of rotten apples!"

Ding Zhuo stared at Chen Dong for a long time before seriously lowering his head to write in his notebook. Chen Dong continued, "I have invested no less than 500 million US dollars in Tuocheng and even Ningcheng. I trust the Chinese government's clarity regarding foreign investment, and I believe that the Chinese government is genuinely committed to reform and working hard to enable the people to live better and more prosperous lives!"

"My investments in China have been heard by overseas Chinese businessmen in Southeast Asia. I plan to have an in-depth discussion with the representatives of the Chaozhou-Tuozhou Chamber of Commerce at this year's conference on the topic of fully returning to my hometown to invest in Tuozhou. I believe that with me as a shining example, they will see the clear high rate of return that investing in China brings."

After Chen Dong finished speaking, Ding Zhuo did not rush to speak. Instead, he took a sip of tea before saying, "Comrade Zai Dong, regarding your proposal to establish offshore finance and pilot remittance services in Tuocheng, Comrade Haimin has already submitted your proposal to the Provincial Standing Committee meeting. I have read it, and I can only say that the idea is good, but the steps are too big. The province really dares not approve it!"

When Chen Dong heard Ding Zhuo repeat what Zhou Haimin had relayed, he assumed Ding Zhuo was still unwilling to budge, and his face showed great disappointment. Seeing this, Ding Zhuo chuckled and said, "Young comrade, don't give up on your principles so easily!"

Chen Dong chuckled, and Ding Zhuo continued, "I dared not sign your suggestion, nor did anyone in the Provincial Standing Committee. However, Comrade Wu Nansheng greatly appreciated your suggestion after reading it and insisted on submitting it to the Central Committee, so I agreed!"

Zhou Haiming was taken aback when he heard the name Wu Nansheng. "Secretary Ding, does Old Wu really think Comrade Zai Dong's suggestion is feasible?"

"Yes, that's right. Comrade Wu Nansheng said that you, a comrade with a wealth of foreign knowledge, are very dedicated to the development of your hometown, Tuocheng. He can see from every clause in your proposal that you genuinely want Tuocheng to develop!"

"He said he's also from Tuocheng and wants his hometown to be at the forefront of China's reform and opening-up. Coincidentally, he's also from Nanshan District, just like you. He thinks you, young comrade, have no bad intentions for being willing to invest hundreds of millions of US dollars in China!"

"Therefore, he insisted on submitting your proposal to the National People's Congress, and he even personally called his former leader, urging him to carefully consider the opinions of the local comrades!"