"However, it will take several years for the rubber trees to mature and be used industrially. I estimate that it is still unrealistic to expect steamboats to become popular within the next ten years."
"Other countries like Dali, Goryeo, and Yuechao cannot support such a large trade volume with their limited population and resources."
Zhao Jun was almost talking to himself.
Because now is an important moment in the country's development, fighting a war definitely requires money.
But now, apart from daily necessities, such as officials' salaries and military salaries, all the money of the Song Dynasty is used for development, and even borrowing money for development.
Once a war breaks out, if no additional money is raised, the deficit gap will be huge given the existing fiscal deficit.
Maintaining a certain fiscal deficit every year is conducive to economic growth, but if the fiscal deficit suddenly soars, the country will face big problems.
Therefore, we still need to be cautious in this matter.
The main reason was that after the Liao Dynasty and Western Xia were defeated, Zhao Jun focused on domestic development and invested all the money this year, thinking of dealing with Western Xia next year.
No one expected Li Yuanhao to die suddenly. Now there was an excellent opportunity to destroy Western Xia and recover Gansu, Ningxia and other regions in the future, so things happened that were beyond the plan.
"Well, this opportunity to recapture Xixia must not be missed."
Zhao Jun finally made up his mind, glanced around, and said to everyone, "Many of our current plans may not yield returns for a long time. For example, paper money and silver dollars will increase trade volume, and we will continue to mine minerals in Japan. Basically, we won't see significant returns until next year at the earliest."
"But we can't give up just because the returns are slow. At least I think that after destroying the Western Xia, taking back the Hexi Corridor will allow us to connect more closely with the Western Regions, thereby revitalizing the commercial development of the Silk Road."
He said: "Even if the fiscal deficit continues to expand, this war must be fought. And it's not just about destroying Xixia. We have to fight all the way west and reclaim the vast territory around Yumen Pass. Only then can we better expand the influence of the Song Dynasty and strengthen trade cooperation with the Middle East. As for the money..."
Zhao Jun thought about it. He originally wanted to say that he could continue to issue more national debt, increase the fiscal deficit, and support the army in fighting.
But his eyes suddenly caught a glimpse of a corner of the bookshelf next to the conference room.
There was a world map there.
"Quick, bring me the map. I've got an idea."
Zhao Jun's eyes suddenly opened wide, and his mind suddenly became clear.
Yes.
He is still too conservative.
He only thought about managing his own little piece of land first and strengthening the country's strength first.
But I forgot.
If we want to strengthen our national strength, how can we avoid eating at the table?
Now.
It's time to add another dish to the Song Dynasty's table.
(End of this chapter)
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