As Sino-Soviet relations deteriorated, Western countries relaxed their blockade of China. In terms of foreign economic relations, China began to shift its focus from the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries to Western countries, while expanding its economic and trade exchanges with third world countries.
Before the start of the Cultural Revolution, China had established trade relations with 125 countries and regions, and had signed intergovernmental trade agreements with 38 of them.
But during the chaotic decade, especially from 1966 to 1972, the country's foreign policy tended to be closed-door.
Some "leftists" even pointed out that developing economic and trade cooperation was "worshiping foreign countries" and "creeping" and criticized it severely.
Because of this, during the turbulent years, the country not only faced serious shortages of "food, clothing and daily necessities", but also an extreme shortage of energy and raw materials for industrialization construction.
All cities are cracking down on speculation and profiteering, and it is extremely difficult for ordinary people to buy things, so the status of state-owned stores will be infinitely raised.
But conservative policies do not mean complete closure. The Canton Fair was held as usual, and the central government issued a document to suspend the "Four Bigs" (big-character posters, big debates, big-character posters, and big debates) during that period.
Premier Zhou personally flew to Guangzhou with the great man's "Five Notices" and met with local mass organizations four times, urging the Red Guards to ensure the convening of the exchange meeting.
Although the product review at the conference is inevitably affected by domestic trends, it basically provides a window to the outside world. Domestic products can be sold to earn foreign exchange, and they can also purchase a lot of imported products.
Most foreign trade goods are shipped from ports in Guangdong Province. Several manufacturers are interested in long-term cooperation. If we want to ensure smooth transactions, mastering translation skills alone is far from enough.
Not only do you have to fill out a complete list of goods information, but you also have to greet the customs, cooperate with the inspection and payment of goods, and it also involves various aspects such as foreign exchange declaration and conversion, and tax payment.
In the store, only He Ruixue, who had frequently cooperated with foreign countries in her previous life, had experience. The others were all confused and had no idea what to do.
So most of the work fell on her shoulders, and she was so busy that she didn't even have time to eat. Seeing this, Xie Peng went to the merchandise department in person.
They said that Luo Guoqing had little ability but was arrogant. He usually made a lot of noise but was of no use at critical moments.
After he came back, he handed over He Ruixue's work in the group to other people so that she could have more time.
He Ruixue came out holding the documents, with a gloomy look on her face, and silently repeated several times to herself not to be angry.
With the warning in advance, Luo Guoqing would not openly embarrass her, but he was good at procrastinating. Whenever he was asked to contact the person above, he would say that he was too busy and really couldn't spare the time.
Under his instruction, the foreign trade team members, who were already cold towards her, treated her as nothing.
For example, when she asked someone to get the basic information and product information of a certain manufacturer, the person fiddled with his pen and shouted several times before coming back to his senses.
"I'm sorry, Comrade He. As you know, my English isn't as good as yours, so my translation is slow, and collecting some information is difficult. How about you wait a little longer?"
"I remember you said the same thing three days ago. I'm in a hurry. Can you give me a clear answer?"
"Okay, I'll definitely take it to heart. Actually, you can put this aside and do something else. I heard the team leader has assigned you a lot of work?"
He Ruixue stared at him with an oppressive gaze until he could no longer bear to look away. Then she pounded the table and said, "The day after tomorrow, I want to see the results. Otherwise, if this thing goes wrong and the secretary comes to hold people accountable, I definitely won't be the first one to bear the brunt of the punishment."
"Okay, I'll try my best. Comrade He, would you like some tea?"
"Thank you, no thanks. I have other things to do. I'll leave now."
He Ruixue left the office directly and heard several people mocking and ridiculing her at the door.
"Humph, who does she think she is? She still wants to see results. She's just a small clerk, but she's putting on such a show. Our team leader only let her come here to learn out of respect for the purchasing department. She really thinks she's a big shot."
"Yeah, she offended Brother Luo on the first day. I don't know where she got the confidence from."
"She always brings up the secretary. He's very busy, and whether he even remembers this is another matter. She's using chicken feathers as a token of authority, and she's going to go to hell."
"She's so arrogant! She's just a high school student. There are so many college students in our group. She's showing off everywhere just because others don't bother with her. I just despise people like her."
He Ruixue outside the door looked back, remembered their appearance, sneered, and left.
The secretary attached great importance to the store's foreign trade business and planned to inquire about its progress.
Originally, he wanted to call Luo Guoqing for questioning, but after being reminded by Secretary Xiao Li, he suddenly remembered the incident when Xie Peng went to the merchandise department to cause trouble, so he decided to go there in person to express his condolences.
When the secretary arrived, everyone in the office was naturally on high alert, pretending to be busy.
Han Jiye first briefly inquired about the general situation, and then asked them in an approachable manner whether they had encountered any difficulties in their work and what stage the specific process was at.
Luo Guoqing was a hands-off boss, so of course he was hesitant and couldn't say anything. He even took the wrong document when reporting.
In the awkward atmosphere, He Ruixue listed all the procedures that required the cooperation of the superiors. "Secretary, these documents need your review. Please take a look at them when you have time."
It is clear and organized. Even if someone doesn't understand it, they won't make mistakes by following the order. After reading it, the secretary praised her even more.
"Xie Peng has a good eye. He recommended you and said you're capable. You really lived up to my expectations."
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