latelenovela Chapter 591: The Battle of Iwo Jima Begins, New Industrial Park and Investment Attraction Plan
Chapter 591: The Battle of Iwo Jima Begins, New Industrial Park and Investment Attraction Plan
In Yangon, inside the newly built Golden Dragon Convention Center, huge crystal chandeliers illuminate the spacious conference hall as bright as day.
Zhang Chi stood on the stage, and the audience below was filled with people.
The air conditioning in the hall was cranked up high. They were dressed in sharp clothes, each with a different demeanor. There were wealthy Chinese businessmen in traditional Nanyang silk gowns, their eyes shrewd. There were gentlemen in well-tailored three-piece suits, pipes clutched. There were also representatives of industrialists from the northern Great Xia, weathered by the vicissitudes of life, yet still maintaining a calm demeanor.
There were also many blond-haired, blue-eyed White Eagle businessmen, their eyes scanning the figures on the stage and the project books in their hands.
They are representatives of Chinese capital from Southeast Asia, the Republic of China, and even all over the world, as well as international capital pioneers who have flocked to the country after sensing huge business opportunities.
Behind every person is a flow of funds and a network of connections that cannot be underestimated.
On the stage, Zhang Chi was wearing a dark Mao suit. Behind him, on the huge projection screen (the slide projector had been invented long ago), a detailed plan of the future Yangon Port and Penang Port was displayed. The blue coastline was winding, the red industrial blocks were clearly marked, and the green transportation network extended in all directions.
“…Therefore, the Yangon Industrial Park and the Penang Industrial Park will rely on their deep-water ports, with the ‘two-port linkage’ as the core, to build a modern industrial cluster serving the entire Southeast Asia and radiating to the Asia-Pacific region.”
Zhang Chi's voice was clearly and powerfully transmitted throughout the audience through the microphone.
As everyone listened, they inexplicably felt that the words of the great leader on the stage were filled with a convincing determination and enthusiasm.
"Here, we will lay the most advanced railway network, build high-grade roads that extend in all directions, and ensure sufficient and stable power supply.
In terms of policy, we will provide the most preferential land prices, tax exemptions for up to ten years, and the most efficient administrative approval services.
We have only one goal: to enable every insightful person and every penny of capital willing to invest to take root, sprout, and flourish in this promising land of Nanyang."
The blueprint described was grand yet specific, and the audience listened attentively. Many of them lowered their heads and quickly took notes in their notebooks, or exchanged excited glances with their companions in low voices.
While the world is ravaged by war, here in Southeast Asia, it seems to be a hotbed for investment that is being carefully cultivated and is about to reap a bountiful harvest.
"Mr. Zhang..." A middle-aged Chinese representative wearing gold-rimmed glasses and with an elegant demeanor raised his hand. He was a representative of the Liu family from Singapore. "The blueprint you have laid out is exciting. Our Liu family mainly engages in shipping and rubber processing."
"I'd like to ask about the specific land transfer policies and the accompanying port capacity expansion plans for the 'Nanyang International Logistics Center' and 'Tropical Crop Deep Processing Zone' planned within the Yangon Industrial Park, as well as the timetable. We are very interested in transferring some of our rubber primary processing capacity here."
Zhang Chi responded calmly and answered fluently:
Mr. Chen's question is crucial. The first phase of the logistics center will begin construction in the third quarter of this year, increasing its designed annual throughput by 50%. Supporting modern warehousing facilities will be built simultaneously. Land transfers will be conducted on a case-by-case basis using a combination of standardized listings. For projects with strong driving force and high technological content, we will prioritize land use and offer competitive pricing.
The planning diagram for the sewage, steam and other supporting pipe networks in the deep processing area is on page 17 of the information booklet in your hands. It is expected to be fully completed in the first quarter of next year..."
Zhang Chi's answer was clear and well-organized, with detailed data, showing his deep control and determination to promote this industrial park project as the commander-in-chief, which made the questioner nod frequently with satisfaction on his face.
Then, a textile factory owner from the Republic of China with a Shanghai accent asked questions about labor protection and skills training. Zhang Chi also gave a systematic answer, emphasizing that the government will establish a vocational and technical training system to protect workers' rights and interests while improving production efficiency.
The atmosphere at the venue was warm, filled with anticipation for the future and the urge to invest.
At this moment, the side door of the conference hall was gently pushed open, and a staff officer wearing the uniform of a major in the Nanyang National Defense Force walked in quickly.
He ignored the ongoing business discussions in the venue, walked straight across the aisle, and headed towards the podium with a clear purpose.
This abrupt action caused a slight commotion, and many businessmen frowned, dissatisfied with this interruption of their business meeting.
However, Zhang Chi on the stage just turned his eyes slightly and glanced at the officer who was rushing over. His face was calm, as if he had already anticipated something.
He spoke to the microphone in a steady voice, "Sorry, everyone, please wait a moment. We have important military information to process."
He didn't leave the podium, but only slightly turned sideways. The major quickly walked over to him, stood at attention and saluted, then lowered his voice, in a voice that only Zhang Chi and the people in the front row could barely hear, and reported clearly and quickly:
"Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief. The Supreme Allied Command has reported that the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions, totaling approximately 3 troops, successfully landed on Iwo Jima yesterday. The landing operation encountered stubborn resistance from the Japanese troops commanded by Kuribayashi Tadamichi, and the fighting was extremely fierce."
Iwo Jima!
Here it comes. The wheel of history, as expected, followed the trajectory in his memory and rolled onto this inconspicuous island in the Pacific Ocean that was destined to be stained with blood.
Marshal Mai, that stubborn donkey, is still fighting with the remaining Japanese troops on Luzon Island, obsessed with his "personal show".
The White Eagle Navy and Marines obviously couldn't wait any longer, or rather, they needed a forward base and bomber escort airport that was closer to the Japanese homeland and could directly threaten their heart.
So they simply left Marshal Mai behind and, led by the navy, launched this cross-sea offensive.
'Tragic...' The memory of the Battle of Iwo Jima flashed through Zhang Chi's mind.
Mount Zhebuchi, Motoyama Heights, tunnels, and the desperate charge... The White Eagle will pay a huge price far beyond expectations here.
His expression remained impassive, he simply nodded slightly to the major, his voice calm and composed, "Understood. Continue to monitor the battle reports, paying particular attention to the intensity of the Japanese resistance and Allied casualties."
"Yes." The major saluted again, turned around and walked away quickly, his movements clean and neat.
Historically, the Battle of Iwo Jima resulted in huge casualties. He estimated that the White Eagles would soon beg the South China Sea Expeditionary Force to go north.
Zhang Chi seemed to have just handled an ordinary official business. He turned to the somewhat stunned and curious audience, and even a relaxed smile appeared on his face:
"Okay, a little aside, the Allies have made another important advance on the front. Let's continue."
His nonchalant attitude invisibly calmed the atmosphere in the conference hall and once again demonstrated his absolute control over the overall situation as the head of state and commander-in-chief of the army.
Despite the raging war, he was unable to shake his determination to develop Southeast Asia.