Chapter 320 Are you sure this is a benefit?: Why wait for a financial crisis?

Wang Xiao only realized this after the middlemen were forced to become shareholders of the Jier Truck Factory.

In 1997, after the Asian financial crisis, Wall Street capital gained control of a majority stake in Samsung and other South Korean conglomerates, becoming true business owners.

If Wall Street can do it, why can't they?

Why wait for the 1997 financial crisis? Moscow is currently experiencing a severe financial crisis.

Moreover, deeply binding the speculators with large state-owned enterprises in Moscow would help them gain a foothold in Moscow and prevent them from being sent to concentration camps every few days.

So, were Moscow's state-owned enterprises sabotaged?

Go ask the workers at the Jill Truck factory if they're happy to have received their July wages.

For businesses, survival is the most important thing.

Is the market economy exploiting the planned economy and taking advantage of the fact that Moscow's state-owned enterprise employees don't understand?

Oh, back to Samsung, it didn't decline after becoming a South Korean-owned company with American control.

Conversely, Samsung, which was modeled after Japan, had to align with the US after being acquired by American capital. It adopted the business model of American companies, combining the advantages of both Japanese and American business models, which greatly enhanced the company's competitiveness and propelled it to become the global leader in the industry.

In a sense, this is a two-way journey.

Anyway, as a capitalist, Wang Xiao wouldn't have any psychological burden.

She took a long, hot shower and then sprayed some floral water on herself.

It wasn't to repel mosquitoes; her living conditions didn't require mosquito repellent.

After spending a long time in Moscow, she also fell in love with the scent of floral water, spraying a little at night to help her sleep.

Wang Xiao wasn't in a hurry, and Secretary Fang was also keeping a calm demeanor.

The latter seems to be just as Ivanov said, not really determined to acquire Moscow's technology.

She stated her demands at the dinner party, and that was enough.

After she finished speaking, she was completely unconcerned about how the Moscow government should react, and she didn't even utter a single word of urging. Every day, she happily followed the procedures arranged by the host country.

She even visited Red Square, paid her respects at Lenin's Mausoleum, and viewed Lenin's remains.

Indeed, despite the Russian Federation government’s repeated calls to move Lenin’s body away or even cremate and bury it, this has not yet become a reality.

It seems that even the slow-witted and blind-to-the-world Russian Federation government has to accept a harsh reality—

Although they tried their best to erase all traces of the Soviet Union, they could not give it up.

After all, besides the legacy of the Soviet Union, it has nothing left.

After visiting Red Square, Secretary Fang went to Huaxia Commercial Street with great interest to experience its bustling atmosphere firsthand.

Next, she wants to visit the container market.

The guest was nonchalant and relaxed; the pressure then fell on the host.

Especially after Secretary Fang took some time to have afternoon tea with the representative from Mitsui, the Moscow city government really couldn't sit still anymore.

Listen to what the Mitsui representatives said.

Mitsui is willing to consider transferring its chemical, mechanical manufacturing, and textile technologies to Koto Province.

Other things aside, for example, textile technology, Moscow is not good at that either.

In terms of mechanical manufacturing technology alone, Mitsui Seiki is technologically advanced in machine tool manufacturing, and its steel guide rail technology for horizontal machining centers is in a leading position.

What if someone is willing to transfer their precision machine tool manufacturing technology, including the production technology of high-precision horizontal machining centers, coordinate grinding machines, thread grinding machines, etc.?

Let alone Jiangdong Province, even Moscow itself knows that its Red Proletarian Machine Tool Factory is not presentable.

This time, even Luzhkov, who had been sitting comfortably on the sidelines, took the opportunity of inspecting the ZIL truck factory to ask Ivanov for his opinion.

Has the people of Jiangdong really changed their minds and are preparing to introduce technology from Mitsui of Japan?

"I don't know." Ivanov was covered in engine oil again.

Although August in Moscow was noticeably cooler than midsummer, he was still sweating profusely, his shirt clinging tightly to his back, becoming semi-transparent from the sweat.

Luzhkov had an amazing memory; he still clearly remembered that when he first met the young businessman in front of him, he was a typical playboy, a playboy who was always surrounded by women.

But how long has it been? He has already transformed himself into a true entrepreneur.

Only those who delve into factories and understand production lines can truly be called entrepreneurs.

So Luzhkov simply asked in return, "You don't know?"

“Of course,” Ivanov said bluntly. “Although the Mitsui representative was introduced to Secretary Fang by the Wuzhou Group, how they negotiate is their business.”

Luzhkov paced back and forth in his cramped office, because Ivanov had turned the spacious boss's office that the factory had allocated to him into a small meeting room and archive room, so that the engineers who were modifying the production line would have a place to argue, or rather, discuss.

See, this is another point that satisfies Luzhkov.

Boasting and indulging in pleasure are characteristics of Moscow's new elites.

Although Luzhkov himself could spend tens of thousands of dollars on a single meal with friends, this did not prevent him from appreciating pragmatic producers.

After circling around three times, the mayor suddenly turned to Ivanov and asked, "What do you think if Jiangdong introduces Mitsui's machining technology?"

"That's great news."

Ivanov seemed to lack the respect due to his superiors. He even opened a bottle of soda and took a sip in front of the mayor before speaking fluently: "The introduction of Japanese machine tools means that Jiangdong's bearing and gear manufacturing technology will be greatly improved. The mass production of three-wheeled vehicles requires the standardization of parts, and Jiangdong's products can just meet my production needs."

Luzhkov chuckled and retorted, "Young man, is the ZIL truck factory all you care about? Think about Moscow, there are so many other factories in Moscow that need to survive."

Ivanov had already finished the rest of his salted soda, put the bottle in the box on the table, and said nonchalantly, "The ZIL truck factory is the heart of Moscow's industry."

The mayor retorted, "A person cannot live on just a beating heart; he also has a head, a torso, and limbs."

The young business owner simply shrugged and said nothing.

“You need to broaden your horizons, my young sir,” Luzhkov said meaningfully. “You can’t just focus on one Gill truck factory.”

Ivanov seemed not to understand what he meant, nor did he seem to care, and did not even ask a question.

Finally, the mayor, whose age was comparable to his father's, sighed: "Don't even think about the bearings and gears produced by Mitsui's machine tools; they should bear the mark of the red proletarian machine tools."

He nodded. "You continue with your work. I won't bother you any longer. Please give my regards to the workers. The loan for your bonuses will be in place."

Ivanov seemed overjoyed. Instead of abandoning the mayor and rushing back to the workshop, he personally and attentively saw the man out of the factory and watched him get into the car.

Even after the car started moving, he didn't leave, continuing to watch it drive away.

The mayor now drives a bulletproof limousine produced by the Gill Trucks factory, demonstrating his support for the factory through his actions.

very good.

Ivanov silently reminded himself that he had to continue to maintain the image of a hardworking producer.

This kind of businessman is the kind of person who would appeal to a pragmatic mayor with a background in science and technology.

Given this premise, even if he doesn't speak up, the mayor will proactively promote him to the position of city councilor.

Because the mayor needs him to do things, to do real, tangible things.

The ZIL armored limousine drove out of the factory area. Luzhkov looked away, squinted slightly, and suddenly blurted out, "Secretary, what do you think?"

The secretary, who was being questioned by his boss, inwardly groaned, not understanding why the mayor had suddenly changed and was asking for his opinion.

Keep in mind that the mayor isn't someone who likes to listen to others' opinions. He'll ask about your needs, but he doesn't need you to make decisions for him.

Even if the boss is like a completely different person, as the secretary, he still has to bite the bullet and answer the boss's questions.

"I think this is very likely just a smokescreen. The contact with Mitsui in Japan was a smokescreen launched against us by the secretary of Jiangdong Province."

His ability to serve as a secretary to the young Tsar of Moscow speaks volumes: "Precision machine tool manufacturing technology is the core competitiveness of the Mitsui Group. Mitsui relies on these advanced technologies to occupy a place in the global high-end machine tool market. Transferring technology would weaken its technological advantages and market competitiveness."

Because its target for transfer is China.

That country, which was extremely poor in 1949, has reached its current industrial scale by relying solely on the industrial base built by the Soviet Union in just a few years, even though it was also under the jurisdiction of COCOM.

The talent and resilience of the Chinese people in this regard are obvious to anyone with eyes.

He didn't believe that the Mitsui Group would be so blinded by greed.

Moreover—

"Precision machine tool manufacturing technology is closely related to national strategic security. High-precision horizontal machining centers, coordinate mills, thread mills, and other machine tools can be used to process key components in aerospace, defense, and other fields. Even if Mitsui were to lose his mind, the Japanese government would not agree to let him transfer such sensitive technology."

Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry is not just for show.

Luzhkov nodded: "You make a lot of sense."

He narrowed his eyes slightly and gave the order: "Make arrangements to inform the Secretary of Jiangdong Province that we have agreed to the technology transfer."

Even though the secretary was experienced and knowledgeable, he couldn't help but show a look of surprise at this moment.

The Jeep armored limousine drove past a large grove of willow trees, the willow branches swaying in the wind like a chaotic dance of demons.

Luzhkov looked at the willow trees and let out a soft sigh.

Isn't this just like Russia today?

“80% of our industry is related to the military, but our share of the world arms market has dropped from 38% in 1989 to 10% in 1993.”

He sighed, "Exports are not doing well, and domestic demand is also insufficient. Military orders have decreased by 70-90%, so much so that the current utilization rate of production capacity is only 10-15%."

The secretary's astonishment turned into complete silence; she didn't even dare to look at her boss.

Even so, the mayor did not forget him and called his name: "Are you envious? Seeing the production line running at the Jill Trucks factory, seeing the engineers arguing and fighting, seeing the workers drinking salt soda during their break while drenched in sweat, are you envious?"

Luzhkov nodded first, "I am envious. If all the factories in Moscow could become like the ZIL truck factory, there would be no worry about not being able to pay wages, and no worry about the workers not being able to support themselves and their families."

The secretary complimented him: "You are a talent scout; you have discovered a thoroughbred like Ivanov. Sir, you will surely discover even more outstanding talents in the future, bringing all factories back to life."

Luzhkov laughed, almost to himself: "I don't care about their ideologies. They can talk a good game, but what Moscow needs is economic development. Attracting foreign investment and technological cooperation are important ways to promote economic development. If the US dollar isn't interested in Moscow, then Moscow can go out and embrace the US dollar."

He was referring to a new cooperation scheme being explored by the recently established International Investors Association.

The idea is to send Russian engineers who have obtained patents to overseas countries with mature investment environments to jointly establish companies with foreign investors. The products they produce can be sold locally or exported to third countries.

In this way, Russia can reinvest the profits it receives to increase its investment share in the joint venture.

On the other hand, joint ventures can also establish subsidiaries in Russia to boost the Russian economy and create new jobs.

Given the current situation, Moscow might as well try this form of cooperation.

What else can we do?

As the autumn winds of August arrived, the willows outside the window swayed excessively, their affected manner nauseating, much like the smug and foolish demeanor of the stupid officials in the federal cabinet.

Hoping they can come up with solutions to help Russia's economy out of its predicament is like hoping a pig will climb a tree.

Luzhkov slowly exhaled and began to think about how to conduct formal negotiations tomorrow.

Compared to the exhausted mayor of Moscow, Secretary Fang of Jiangdong Province's visit to Moscow this time can only be described as relaxed.

She was more interested in exploring the Moscow markets than dealing with Moscow officials, visiting this place and that, or watching this show and that show.

She browsed through everything, from street flea markets to high-end department stores, before focusing her remaining energy on wholesale markets and container markets.

As the Party Secretary of a major economic province, she was very approachable and directly asked the merchants for their opinions on Jiangdong Province's products.

The secretary would jot down any comments or suggestions that came to mind.

The second sister has no interest in offering suggestions. If she has any ideas, she can just tell Wang Xiao directly, which would be more efficient.

She pushed her way forward to take a photo with Secretary Fang.

This is a high-ranking leader, his status is extraordinary, so taking a photo with him carries a very different meaning.

Secretary Fang didn't hold back and readily agreed.

As a result, my second sister took a proper photo with a camera, and then she took a Polaroid photo.

Before Secretary Fang had even left the container market, Second Sister was already using Polaroid photos to try and fool the Russian shuttle merchants.

She beamed, "You don't need to think about it, my bed sheets are definitely the best. I get top-quality goods directly from Jiangdong Province. There are long lines of trucks waiting to pick them up, and a single delivery order can fetch 100,000 rubles. How did I manage to get these goods?"

She took a picture of the newly laminated Polaroid camera, looking very serious, "Look who this is? The top official of Jiangdong Province. Without this connection, I wouldn't be able to get the goods."

A member of the delegation happened to be going back to the car to get something when he turned around and heard these arrogant remarks.

His vision went black, and he almost fainted on the spot.

Look at these people! They're all speculators who spout nonsense and don't tell a single honest word.

He ran back to the cafeteria to find the leader and quietly reported the matter.

Secretary Fang waved his hand, signaling him to keep quiet.

Just now, a middleman was regretting that he didn't get a picture with her.

The middleman next to him said it didn't matter; they could just find someone with a similar build and pretend it was a photo with the Party Secretary. After all, in the Russians' eyes, all Chinese people looked pretty much the same.

I said it was taken with the secretary of Jiangdong Province, so why do you say it wasn't?

What can Secretary Fang do even if he hears this?

These people weren't her subordinates, so they had to listen to her ideological education lectures even if they didn't want to.

On the contrary, these people are all money-making gods and goddesses. She is the one who should hold her nose and tolerate it, because she hopes to take money out of their pockets to save the unfinished buildings in Jiangdong Province.

"The information was all collected by the provincial government. The provincial government provided the guarantee, the debt relationship is simple, and it has all been taken over by the bank."

Secretary Fang personally took the stage to promote investment in a serious manner, saying, "You all know Jiangdong. It's a long-established economic powerhouse with a good development momentum and great potential. Many years ago, there was a saying in Jiangdong: 'Having a hundred acres of fertile land isn't enough; you have to have two shops in the city to be considered a wealthy person.'"

Having handed the business over to her nephew, the second sister rushed over, grabbing the documents and flipping through them: "This building, which is only half-built, will belong to us once we finish it?"

“That’s right!” Secretary Fang nodded. “Once the debt to the bank is paid off, the remaining buildings will be yours. You can decide how to use and distribute them. The local government can help attract investment.”

The second sister nodded and began to carefully examine the property.

Oh dear, I feel more at ease when I have a few baskets full of eggs.

Wang Xiao cleared his throat and raised his voice: "Everyone, take a good look. When you can't work anymore and retire, these will be your retirement homes."

Secretary Fang picked up where she left off: "Yes, yes, yes, Jiangdong has a great environment, which has been famous throughout history. There are countless scenic spots in Jiangdong when people go out to travel. In the future, you won't have to worry about anything if you retire in Jiangdong. Transportation and hospitals are very convenient."

The two worked in tandem, constantly promoting the project so that middlemen would take over the unfinished building.

The Moscow government officials accompanying the delegation breathed a sigh of relief, thanking God that these people didn't intend to stay in Moscow indefinitely.

Yes, they have indeed revitalized a Gear truck factory, and there is a possibility that they will revitalize more factories in the future.

But so what? They will grow old and lose their ability to work. What contribution will they be able to make to Moscow then?

Outsiders who cannot contribute are not welcome in Moscow.

Wang Xiao smiled and chatted, her gaze sweeping over the officials in Moscow.

She didn't actually know much about these people, but all leaders in the world share common traits.

While Chinese city administrators welcome migrant workers selling their cheap labor to boost urban economic prosperity, they also have no desire to address the issue of their elderly care.

When it comes to being calculating and maximizing profits, government officials are never any less ruthless than businessmen.

So why expect Moscow, which has already embarked on the capitalist path, to open its arms wide?

It's better to plan ahead, rely on yourself, and leave yourself a way out.

The canteen was bustling with activity, and children were running around in the crowd, extremely lively. One of them even rushed towards Secretary Fang's leg like a cannonball.

Good heavens, at this moment, Wang Xiao even suspected that a guard had drawn a gun.

The child's mother was also terrified, her face turning pale. She quickly went over, picked up the little rascal, and slapped him hard: "Do you ever get a minute's rest all day long?"

The little thing burst into tears.

Secretary Fang quickly gave him a piece of candy, which stopped him from crying.

Secretary Fang joked with him, "You can't cry when you go to school."

As a result, the little thing simply turned its head away and ignored her.

A burst of laughter erupted from the crowd.

Secretary Fang laughed even harder: "Don't hide, you have to study, study hard and make progress every day."

She turned her head and asked, "How do the children go to school here?"

Wang Xiao explained, "Their children all live on farms in the suburbs, attending primary and middle school together with the children of farm workers. They usually live at the school, and on weekends, the school bus brings them here to reunite with their parents."

In order to revitalize the farm and solve the labor shortage problem, she moved the entire village, including the village school, from China.

Later, considering that junior high school students living at school and not being able to reunite with their parents for a long time was not good for the children, a junior high school was also established.

So the traders and their wives, not wanting to leave their children in their hometowns to be cared for by their grandparents, also went to school in Moscow with them.

As Secretary Fang listened, he nodded and asked, "Can they keep up? Will they be able to take the high school entrance exam when they go back? Or will they attend high school here?"

Wang Xiao shook his head: "They use domestic textbooks and learn Russian on top of that. They don't require those who can't pass the high school entrance exam here to attend high school."

To put it bluntly, the middlemen and women who traded goods sent their children to school for two reasons: one was to teach them some literacy so they wouldn't become illiterate; the other was to find a place to leave the children, because what could they possibly do at such a young age?

By the time they graduate from junior high school, at fifteen or sixteen years old, they are essentially considered a labor force for most families today.

Following in their parents' footsteps in business is their most common choice.

Moreover, because they learn Russian at school, they can help their parents a lot.

Secretary Fang frowned slightly, quite worried: "It would be better for children to read more books and learn more cultural knowledge."

A shopkeeper nearby, known as Lao Zeng, sighed, "There's nothing we can do. They're too young to start primary or middle school in China. We're worried about that. But if they finish here and go back to take the high school entrance exam, they won't have a school registration anymore."

“How about this?” Secretary Fang readily agreed, “We can arrange for them to go to Jiangdong to take the high school entrance exam, and then go to university.”

Revitalizing unfinished buildings is also a form of attracting investment. Since the goal is to attract investment, the Jiangdong Provincial Government must offer some incentives.

As a result, Boss Zeng blurted out: "I can't do this to my son, I'll send him to Jiangdong for the college entrance exam!"

Wang Xiao burst out laughing.

Haha, the college entrance exam in Jiangdong is hellishly difficult; whoever takes it keeps quiet.

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The Russian industrial data mentioned by Luzhkov in the article is referenced from the article "Moscow's Troubles" in the September/October 10, 1994 issue of the *Shanghai Economic Research* magazine, by Yang Jianwen. [Loud-eared rabbit head] Don't worry, this is the original article I found on CNKI, not AI-generated. [Let me see]