Chapter 206: Official solicitation and acquisition of 850 million square feet of land
Chapter 206: Official solicitation and acquisition of 850 million square feet of land
"Of course, we also hope that the Chinese in Hong Kong can live and work normally," said Robert Black with a smile.
Yang Wendong smiled faintly and said, "Governor of Hong Kong is very righteous."
Although I know in my heart that these people cannot possibly be truly concerned about the Chinese, I still have to praise them on the surface.
However, even if he has other purposes, if he can do something for the Chinese, make Hong Kong society more prosperous, and make ordinary Chinese people live a better life, then he would be a good governor.
It is enough to judge by deeds rather than intentions. It is impossible to expect everyone to be like a saint. Even a Chinese governor may not be able to do so.
Robert Black added: "Mr. Yang, although you are young, you have created jobs for thousands of people over the past few years and have also brought great development to Hong Kong's economy.
If you were not old enough, I would have asked the Queen to give you a knighthood."
"Sir?" Yang Wendong's mind moved. This was indeed a way for Hong Kong or other British colonies to win over the local elite.
Anyway, it's just a "title" without any real power.
However, in terms of policy, there are certain preferential policies for those who are "ennobled". At least once you have a title, you have an official status, even if you do not have real power.
Black added: "Currently, the youngest person to be knighted in the British Empire was 31 years old, and this record was broken by an outstanding pilot during World War II after his outstanding achievements."
Yang Wendong smiled and said, "Then let's wait a few years until the time is right and then consider this matter."
"Okay, if I were still in office, I would definitely help you get a title." Robert Black smiled and said, "However, given your current situation, you can become a member of parliament in Tsim Sha Tsui."
"That's fine. I also hope to provide my own opinions for the development of Tsim Sha Tsui," said Yang Wendong.
The so-called legislators in Hong Kong today are still different from those in Western countries, and the power gap is huge.
Among them, official councillors have some power and are considered real officials, while non-official councillors are used to win over local wealthy families, wealthy people, etc. in Hong Kong. They have no power and just hold the position.
I can only say that it is slightly better than having nothing.
Robert Black then asked, "Mr. Yang, as one of the most successful Chinese in Hong Kong, what suggestions do you have for the future economic development of Hong Kong?"
"I come from an industrial background, so if I have to give advice, I'll only talk about industry," Yang Wendong said after a pause.
"Please go ahead," said Robert.
Yang Wendong said: "The existing manufacturing industry in Hong Kong is developing well, and judging from the direction of global economic development, the electronics industry will be the top priority in the next few decades.
If Hong Kong wants to develop better, it should encourage the development of the electronics industry.”
"Electronics industry?" Robert White looked sideways at the radio a few meters away and asked, "Are you talking about products like radios?"
"Yes." Yang Wendong nodded and said, "But it's not just radios, it also includes televisions, refrigerators, fans, air conditioners, music players or kitchen appliances and furniture.
These products can create a large number of jobs and solve the current problems of the Hong Kong government. In the early years, the Japanese government stepped in to help enterprises develop. Now that they have succeeded, home appliances have become one of the mainstays of the Japanese economy. "
"That's a good direction." Robert Black nodded and added, "It's just that the Hong Kong government's free market policy does not allow us to participate in these things."
Yang Wendong said: "I understand, but the Hong Kong government can also introduce some policies to support the electronics industry, such as low taxes and low land use costs."
Hong Kong has a very low tax rate for manufacturing, which was intended to encourage wealthy people to come to Hong Kong and set up factories in the early years.
However, if the tax can be lowered a little more, it will provide a greater stimulus to the electronics industry.
Bai Liji thought for a moment and said, "Well, I need to investigate before deciding."
"Of course." Yang Wendong nodded.
Anyway, I am just making a suggestion. It won’t do any harm if it fails. If it succeeds, it will benefit the whole of Hong Kong, including him.
Now that the early development of several of my main industries has stabilized, they are developing in the right direction. Plus, as a boss, I know the future, so there shouldn't be any big problems.
The 60s was the early stage of the development of Hong Kong's electronics industry, so he naturally could not miss it.
"Mr. Yang, your investment also involves the real estate and shipping industries." Robert White continued, "What do you think of these two industries?"
Yang Wendong shook his head and said, "I have just invested in these two industries. I am not an elite in the industry, so I'd better not give any opinions."
In fact, he could also make suggestions on real estate, but this industry itself does not generate any value, and his participation in it is purely to make money. There is no need for him to make any suggestions. If he says too much and it is recorded, it may affect his reputation in the future.
Anyway, if history develops normally, he will be able to make huge profits.
As for shipping, he really didn't understand anything about it, but he knew the future, had some money, and the factory's needs, so he invested in it.
"Okay." Bai Liji nodded and asked, "Does Mr. Yang need anything else?"
Yang Wendong thought for a moment and said, “Mr. Governor, the scale of this investment is also very large, and I will be under some pressure in terms of funds.
However, banks may not be optimistic about mortgaging large tracts of industrial land.
So I would like to ask the Governor to coordinate with the banks to provide adequate support and offer a more favorable interest rate.”
In addition to the land, the total amount of the bank loan and the interest are also important.
The interest affects future earnings, and the loan amount has a greater impact. Although Yang Wendong can come up with the required funds, if so much money is invested, it will definitely affect his shipping and real estate companies.
In the long run, it is not cost-effective, especially real estate. Even if you buy it in 61 and sell it at the end of 64, you can still make a lot of money.
Robert Black thought for a while and said, "It is not easy for the Hong Kong government to order the bank, but I will mention this matter to HSBC.
However, even HSBC is not completely under the command of the Hong Kong government, and you still have to negotiate many conditions yourself, but I can guarantee that you will definitely be able to get some discounts that you cannot get under normal circumstances. "
"Okay, that's fine." Yang Wendong smiled and said, "Thank you, Governor."
Hong Kong is still half dominated by British capitalists. As half of the "central bank", HSBC generally listens to some of the Hong Kong government's requests, but it is also capital itself and will often consider itself.
After some more pleasantries, it was time for lunch, so Bai Liji naturally treated Yang Wendong to a simple steak meal.
It was said to be beef from a British ranch, but Yang Wendong didn't think it was anything special.
……
After returning to Changxing Industrial Company, Yang Wendong informed Su Yiyi of his conversation with the Governor of Hong Kong.
After listening to it, Su Yiyi asked curiously: "A title of nobility, it sounds so impressive."
"It's just an empty title." Yang Wendong smiled and said, "It's just a means used by the British Hong Kong government to win over the Chinese. It has no rights."
Su Yiyi asked again: "Then I heard that Justices of the Peace have a lot of power?"
"That's true." Yang Wendong said, "But it's not possible for me at the moment. Age is a problem. In the political world, this is very important."
Politics and business are different. In the business world, if you are a child and have the ability to make money, it is a skill and you can also get the wealth you deserve.
But this doesn’t work in politics, where even the most talented have to reach a certain age, and this is the case in most parts of the world.
Su Yiyi smiled and said, "Becoming a member of parliament is not bad, although it doesn't have many rights."
Yang Wendong said: "Our rights still come from business. The more jobs we control, the more polite the Governor will be to us." The reason why the Hong Kong government is trying to win him over is essentially because his business can drive a large number of jobs, which is the source of all rights.
"Yes." Su Yiyi said again: "Then our future products will still have to be produced in Hong Kong."
“Yes, unless Hong Kong really cannot produce it, like plastic particles.” Yang Wendong nodded.
There is still about 20 years in the future for Hong Kong to remain suitable for industry. By the 80th year, we can start migrating to the deep sea next door.
Su Yiyi asked again: "So now we are waiting for news from the Hong Kong government?"
"Yes." Yang Wendong nodded and said, "It is impossible for us to acquire such a large area of land. Only the Hong Kong government can do it. The premise for this to succeed still depends on the Hong Kong government."
Even if it is to acquire a small property in a commercial area, it may take years to be completely successful, not to mention such a large area of industrial land.
Even though the population density above is not as high as that in the urban area, if Changxing Real Estate really tries to operate it, even if it uses all its connections in both the black and white worlds, it is unknown when it will be completely successful.
A few days later, Changxing Industrial Factory:
Yang Wendong was checking some company information, including various information from the finance, personnel, technology, quality and other departments. As a boss, this was something he needed to know every once in a while.
Su Yiyi was looking at the newspaper and suddenly said, "Brother Dong, the Galaxy Daily said that Liao Baoshan's assets have exceeded 100 million. He made it public when he was interviewed by a reporter."
"About the same." Yang Wendong smiled and said, "Liao Chongxing has so much money in the bank that he used it to buy real estate. Real estate itself has also risen sharply in the past two years. Who knows how much money he has now?"
When a whale falls, everything comes to life. The collapse of such a giant as Liu Chong Hing Bank also brings many benefits to outsiders.
Especially with so many properties in Central or other commercial districts in Hong Kong Island, even if Yang Wendong has enough money, it will take a long time to slowly acquire them, and it also depends on luck.
Su Yiyi nodded and said, "They are really rich. Their deposit interest rate is also very high, much higher than that of Hang Seng Bank."
"Do you have deposits in Liao Chong Hing Bank?" Yang Wendong asked immediately.
Although they are married, they both have their own independent accounts with not much money in them, which is enough for their daily use.
Su Yiyi nodded and said, "Yes, about 50,000 or 60,000 yuan, and my mother also saved 20,000 or 30,000 yuan."
Yang Wendong added: "The model of Liao Chongxing Bank is too risky. All the funds of my company have been transferred away. Please find a time during this period to arrange for someone to withdraw all the money. Otherwise, the money may be gone one day."
"Is it that serious?" Su Yiyi didn't know much about finance, but she still listened to Yang Wendong: "Then I'll have someone go get the money tomorrow."
"Well, save it in HSBC or Standard Chartered." Yang Wendong said with a smile: "You don't need to rely on interest."
"Ding ding ding~" At this moment, the phone rang. Yang Wendong picked up the phone and then spoke to the other end in fluent English.
A few minutes later, the call ended, and Su Yiyi asked, "Is it from the Hong Kong government?"
"Yes." Yang Wendong said, "The secretary of the Governor's Office called and said that the Hong Kong government basically agreed to our plan, but because the funds and land area involved are very large, specific negotiations are still needed."
"That's great." Su Yiyi said happily.
"Okay, I'll call Lao Wei over." Yang Wendong then picked up the phone and called the person over.
Afterwards, Wei Zetao came and Yang Wendong informed him of the situation of the giant.
After listening, Wei Zetao said: "I have already prepared a legal, financial and factory management team, and we are ready to discuss various issues with the Hong Kong government at any time."
"Well, the main thing is the land area, the bigger the better, and the price, it can't be too expensive." Yang Wendong nodded and said, "In addition, we need to negotiate a loan with HSBC, but this matter has to be negotiated with the Hong Kong government."
"I understand." Wei Zetao was full of confidence.
Yang Wendong said: "Okay, then let's go there this afternoon to get to know each other, and then we will start discussing this matter;
The Hong Kong government is actually quite anxious. They have to invest a lot of money every month, and there are potential social risks. It will be convenient for all of us if it is settled early."
"Okay." After Wei Zetao finished speaking, he said goodbye and left.
For the next half month, Wei Zetao's main job was to go to the Hong Kong government, or go to Kwun Tong with people related to the Hong Kong government, or to check on several suppliers of Changxing Industrial.
Both parties need to understand each other before they can make a decision.
On March 3, Wei Zetao came to Yang Wendong's office early in the morning and said, "Mr. Yang, we have almost finished discussing some major issues with the Hong Kong government."
"Tell me about it." Yang Wendong also put down the work in his hands. This matter was the most important to him.
Wei Zetao said: "The Hong Kong government's intention is to give us a piece of land with an area of 850 million square feet, and then give us a residential land near this land to build a community and resettle the indigenous people who are to be relocated.
The price of industrial land is HK$2.5 per square foot, and the residential land next to it needs to be priced according to the local price. The location has not been determined yet, so the price is not clear, but it will not be very high. The land price in Kwun Tong is not expensive either."
"2.5? Okay." Yang Wendong said after thinking for a while.
This price is about 25% cheaper than normal industrial land in Kwun Tong. What’s more important is that with such a large area, if it were not for the fact that his investment could solve the employment problem that is worrying the Hong Kong government, it would be impossible to buy it even if Jardine Matheson came.
Another option is Kwun Tong, which is considered an economically poor area, otherwise this would not be possible.
Wei Zetao added: "In addition, there are the costs of leveling the land and building the factory, which are not low. However, we still need to discuss with various suppliers on how to arrange it, so the budget has not yet been released.
In terms of funding, HSBC has also sent people to inspect the site. They need Changxing Industrial to participate in the mortgage, and the interest rate will be lower than the normal loan. "
"Who was sent by HSBC?" Yang Wendong asked.
Wei Zetao replied, "It's Sanders, the head of their credit department."
"They are old acquaintances." Yang Wendong smiled and said, "Then continue to negotiate with them. After this incident, we can be regarded as one of HSBC's medium-sized customers."
Although the investment this time is as high as 20 to 30 million Hong Kong dollars, it is not enough compared with shipping and large British consortium projects.
"Yes." Wei Zetao handed over a document and said, "These are the drafts of the agreement, and the legal department is already reviewing the risks in it.
Please take a look at this too. If there are no problems, we will first sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with the Hong Kong government to formally trade this industrial land, and then the Hong Kong government will start the local demolition project. "
"Well, how long will the demolition take?" Yang Wendong asked.
Wei Zetao said: "In one month, the Hong Kong government will let people move out, give them rent to rent a house, and determine the compensation method. Then we will have to wait until we have built the house before discussing it."
"Okay, the faster the better." Yang Wendong said with satisfaction: "I will give you a reply on this document tomorrow morning."
On March 3, Changxing Industrial officially reached an agreement with the Hong Kong government to purchase an industrial land with an area of 28 million square feet located near the sea in Kwun Tong for HK$2125 million, for the construction of a large industrial park.
This will also be the first large-scale industrial park in Hong Kong's history. This park will mainly produce various plastic products of Changxing Industrial, including the most famous trolley suitcases, sticky hooks, and spin mops.
As for the recruitment plan, the initial number of employees is 5000, of which 1500 will be transferred from the original factories of Changxing Industrial's suppliers, and 3500 will be recruited locally to learn gradually.
Later, the total number of employees will exceed 10,000, making it one of the largest industrial parks in Hong Kong and even Southeast Asia.
As soon as the news came out, the whole of Hong Kong was in an uproar.
……
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(End of this chapter)