Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 790 - 746: Strength in Numbers (Seeking Double Monthly Tickets)_1
Chapter 790: Chapter 746: Strength in Numbers (Seeking Double Monthly Tickets)_1
Naturally, Nie Zhenbang’s words inspired the members of the committee. Other than Qin Linlin, the Minister of Propaganda, the others present had all held essential roles in local governments or party committees. During their governance at the grassroots level, they had all faced various dilemmas. They had all put considerable effort and tremendous work into attracting investment, whether it came from foreign or domestic sources. They treated every capital investor as precious, fearing that they would not invest. However, the results were not always apparent. At this moment, everyone wanted to know what Nie Zhenbang’s brilliant strategy was for attracting investment as he made it sound so effortless.
Surveying everyone, Nie Zhenbang stated, “Attraction of investment, most importantly, is about understanding what the other wants? An impressive reception? High-level attention? Policy preference? These are not the problems. The most critical issue is what the investor needs. Actually, it may be simple for investors. They may want a fair and impartial investment environment and a green investment atmosphere. By focusing on the current problems in infrastructure investment, we leave out many other things.
Nie Zhenbang paused here on purpose, giving people space and time to reflect. The members of the committee found that what he had just said was thought-provoking. Zeng Taiping, in particular, looked as if he was deep in thought.
Nowadays, when a local municipality encounters an investor, they pounce on them as a cat would at the smell of fish. This kind of attitude makes existing investors feel superior, which is not good. The local government has made many concessions and offered up numerous incentives, all in an endeavor to keep the investment. In the end, though the investment is retained, the benefits to the local area are not significant.
Zeng Taiping found Nie Zhenbang’s earlier statements agreeable. He has also had experience dealing with many private enterprise owners who all express a similar sentiment. They do not care about the incentives, what they are concerned about is a clean investment environment.
“Secretary Zeng and fellow comrades, you can look over this proposal. It outlines a rough plan for infrastructure construction. Most of the 300 billion in investments, primarily from provincial highway construction and some civilian airport construction, will account for close to 240 billion funds. What I suggest is attracting funds to participate in this part of our province’s construction,” said Nie Zhenbang.
At this point, several members nodded their heads. The Donggang Li Clan Group had just signed an investment agreement to construct the Changhua Expressway, setting a precedent. The standing members found this model quite acceptable.
Seeing that Ning Bojun was about to speak, Nie Zhenbang said with a smile, “Some comrades may question the feasibility of infrastructure construction as it requires a large investment, takes a long time to complete, and the return on investment is slow to materialise. Will there be investors interested? I can say with certainty that there will be because we have strength in numbers.”
Once these words were spoken, nobody dared to challenge Nie Zhenbang. Ning Bojun was a prime example. To question this was to oppose himself at this point.
Seeing no one speak up, Nie Zhenbang was pleased with the resulting effect. Indeed, he sought just this reaction. He needed to establish his authority in provincial government administration, economic development, and construction.
Once this authority is recognised, there would be far fewer objections in the future, significantly reducing hassle. It can be considered a long-term solution.
“According to statistics from the provincial public security department and population planning commission, during the last national census, the population of the province exceeded one hundred million, reaching one hundred and six million, seven hundred and twenty thousand. Comrades, this is an astonishing number. Nowadays, the large population base adds a heavy burden, which is becoming a significant problem in our province. However, a large population also signifies abundant human resources and a broad commercial horizon. The priority for business people is human resources. I believe this can be a breakthrough for our province in attracting foreign investment,” said Nie Zhenbang. He presented specific data extracted from previous government work reports, ensuring its unquestionable accuracy.
“Specific to infrastructure investment and construction, according to the information from the public security department’s vehicle administration, the number of private cars in our province has flourished since 2001. By the end of last year, there were more than eight million private vehicles in the province. Tianfu City alone surpassed eight hundred thousand last year. I believe that with economic growth, there will be an explosive increase in numbers. More vehicles signify a larger market, with significant potential for highways. This is the most significant attraction to investors.”
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Upon hearing this, all the members present felt they had to concede to Nie Zhenbang. His ability was indeed as formidable as his reputation.
A simple fact, such as a large population, could be stretched into so many areas by him. Truly remarkable.
At this moment, Zeng Taiping glanced at Ning Bojun, who was sitting next to him. Since his fallout with Long Genghua, Ning Bojun has been increasingly inclined to cooperate with him.
Zeng Taiping had a clear understanding of Ning Bojun’s attitude. He knew that Ning’s opposition to Nie Zhenbang was largely due to issues in Yangde City. At this juncture, he felt that it was important to save face for Ning and not let him be embarrassed.
Considering this, Zeng Taiping laughed and said, “Comrade Zhenbang’s words are enlightening and insightful. For me, there is much to gain from them. It is astonishing how population numbers can bring so many unseen benefits. I am sure, comrade Zhenbang, you must have given considerable thought to this matter and have your own ideas. Would you care to share?”
Stating this, Zeng Taiping successfully transitioned the discussion away from Ning Bojun’s skepticism, moving directly towards practical aspects. This greatly alleviated Ning Bojun’s awkward situation, preventing him from losing face.
Nie Zhenbang did not mind. He glanced at Ning Bojun meaningfully. He then said, “Secretary Zeng, I have a preliminary idea. After careful investigation, I found that many expressways in the province are each managed by their corresponding development companies. This, in my opinion, is unfavorable to the overall layout of our province’s transportation. My idea is to set up a vice-bureau-level institution called the Provincial Expressway Investment Development Group, under the guidance of the provincial party committee and the government, and affiliated to the provincial transport department. This group would manage all provincial highways, both existing and planned, and will be responsible for investments and attracting businesses. It would help achieve economies of scale, build an advantage, accelerate our province’s transportation construction, and stimulate economic development.”
Upon his words, silence descended upon the meeting.
Nie Zhenbang’s proposition shook everyone in the room. Not due to its level of authority – everyone present were significant figures in the provincial party committee and a vice-bureau level wouldn’t scare them. Rather, it was the colossal interests that lay behind the proposed establishment of the Provincial Expressway Development Group. With funds flowing in and out regularly estimated in tens to hundreds of billions, this position would inevitably become the much-coveted target of all officials in the province. Any leader qualified for such a role would likely start maneuvers to land the job the moment they received this news.
Zeng Taiping paused then laughed, “Let’s discuss this matter later. As of now, it’s too premature to talk about it. Comrade Zhenbang has answered everyone’s doubts and concerns, so as for the Three-Year Development Plan of Bashu Province, I propose we proceed to vote directly. Those in favor, please raise your hand!”
Nie Zhenbang was the first to raise his hand after finishing his statement. He had made this plan, and its success depended largely on his support.
Immediately after, Sun Jialuo and Pan Jianzhang raised their hands. Long Genghua, Tang Bingquan, and Hou Wenkui followed suit. Now even Zeng Taiping slowly raised his hand. There was nothing to hesitate about. As head of the provincial committee, it would reflect poorly on him if he did not support economic development, especially since Nie Zhenbang’s plan was logical and provided detailed operational guidelines. Opposing such a plan would be unreasonable.
With Zeng Taiping’s overt support, Lu Qingyu, Qin Linlin, and Xie Aibiao also raised their hands. After a while, Lu Yong also voted in favor. At this point, only Ning Bojun and provincial military district political commissar Shi Dongmao hadn’t voted.
Ning Bojun remained stubborn, saying in a neutral tone, “I am no expert in this field, so I will refrain from commenting. I reserve my opinion. I abstain.”
Upon Ning’s words, Shi Dongmao looked serious and said, “I am a rough military man. I can comment on military training, but when it comes to issues like this, I will withhold my opinion. I abstain too.”
Zeng Taiping brushed it off. With eleven votes in favor and two abstentions, the result was clear. No matter if there were abstentions or objections, there was no need to worry about it. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. Zeng nodded and said, “Good, the result is clear. I believe under comrade Zhenbang’s lead, Bashu Province will achieve great success. The meeting is dismissed.” (To be continued. If you like this work, please vote and recommend at qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
