bookrandom Chapter 593 Cooperation with Fiat
Chapter 593 Cooperation with Fiat
"The President has a far-sighted vision, which is a blessing for overseas Chinese." A white-haired old overseas Chinese leader in South America excitedly shook Zhang Chi's hand.
"Mr. Zhang's grasp of the economic context is admirable, and the prospects for cooperation are broad." A representative of White Eagle Investment Bank handed over his business card.
"Mr. Zhang, can we discuss in detail the logistics land in the Penang Port area tomorrow?" The textile tycoon from the Republic of China followed closely behind.
Both Chinese and foreign capital were impressed by the courage, vision and pragmatic attitude demonstrated by Zhang Chi.
They saw the huge potential of an emerging market and, more importantly, a mature, rational and trustworthy government.
The meeting continued in a warm atmosphere, more details were discussed and more intentions were reached in private exchanges.
Zhang Chi responded to various questions with ease. With his insights from later generations and his experience in high positions for a long time, he left a deep impression on everyone - a capable person with quick thinking, profound insights, and a deep understanding of macroeconomic development.
After the Hongxian period, warlords fought each other. Many so-called Chinese heroes only had their eyes on a province and wanted only guns and seals.
Zhang Chi wants to build a new industrial and capital order based in Southeast Asia and radiating to the Asia-Pacific region.
This pattern and spirit that transcended the times invisibly impressed the elites present.
The meeting entered the free exchange session and the atmosphere became more lively.
Zhang Chi quietly left the venue and, under the protection of bodyguards, moved into a small conference room deep in the conference center that was elegantly decorated and excellently soundproofed.
This is the stage that truly determines future heavyweight cooperation.
The first person to be introduced was a tall White Eagle man.
"Your Excellency, the Supreme Commander." The visitor bowed slightly, his voice calm and composed. "On behalf of Mr. Yegorov, Chairman of the Texas New Century Consortium, I extend my greetings and hand over the latest draft of the Memorandum of Understanding."
He handed over a sealed black folder.
Zhang Chi took it and placed it casually on the conference table covered with a dark green velvet tablecloth without opening it.
He knew what was inside - "investment agreements" and "technology authorization letters" that were carefully designed by a team of top lawyers, which appeared to be legal and compliant on the surface, but in fact they continuously transferred the New Century Consortium's huge profits and technological patents in White Eagle to Nanyang.
Relying on Zhang Chi's foresight and the epoch-making technology from the system, the Texas New Century Consortium has now become a behemoth in White Eagle that spans various industries such as arms, oil, retail, electronics, and chemicals. It can be called a miracle of rapid wealth during World War II.
"Mr. Yegorov is very efficient." Zhang Chi smiled faintly, his tone filled with tacit understanding. "Nanyang's development is inseparable from the strong support of 'strategic partners' like the New Century Financial Group in terms of capital, technology, and management experience."
Without any unnecessary greetings, both parties quickly signed their names on several key documents.
The whole process was efficient and quiet, as if it was just a routine task.
A few minutes later, the "representative" stood up and said goodbye, leaving as quietly as he had arrived.
The next person to be introduced was a young man who was a little too young, but had a distinct European aristocratic air.
He is the future heir of the Fiat Group, Giovanni Agnelli Jr.
"Your Excellency, Commander Zhang Chi," Giovanni Jr. bowed slightly, his posture impeccable. "It is an honor to have a private audience with you. I am Giovanni Agnelli, representing the Fiat Group and my family."
"Mr. Agnelli, welcome to Nanyang." Zhang Chi stood up and extended his hand. "I've long been familiar with the Fiat name and your family's outstanding achievements in the industrial sector. Please take a seat."
After we sat down, the waiter served us black tea.
"This is our locally produced black tea, please try it."
Giovanni Jr. did not hesitate to get straight to the point and frankly introduced the current difficulties faced by the Fiat Group and his deep concerns about the future of his family and the group.
Zhang Chi is determined to win the cooperation with Fiat.
During World War II, Fiat was extensively involved in the military industry, jointly developing medium tanks such as the M13/40 and M14/41 with Ansaldo, and providing engines and chassis for the AB41 wheeled armored vehicle.
It produces ship-borne artillery such as 120mm and 90mm anti-aircraft guns for the Italian Navy and howitzers and anti-tank guns for the Italian Army.
It also supplies diesel engines for destroyers and submarines of the Italian Royal Navy, produces piston engines for the Air Force, and manufactures finished trucks and radio equipment.
"Your Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, Fiat has nearly half a century of industrial accumulation." Little Giovanni's tone was full of pride and a hint of sadness.
"We possess complete design and manufacturing capabilities and numerous core patents in the fields of automobiles, trucks, aircraft engines, military vehicles, and artillery components. The pre-war Fiat 508 Balilla and Fiat 500 Topolino ('Little Mouse') series of cars were all the rage in Europe, and our trucks are renowned for their ruggedness and durability. But now..."
Zhang Chi listened quietly, and after Giovanni finished speaking, he slowly spoke:
"Mr. Agnelli, adversity is often the beginning of rebirth. The Southeast Asian United States is a new force born in the flames of war. Fiat's predicament, in my opinion, is precisely the best opportunity for cooperation between the two sides."
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes burning:
"First, in the military industry. As a former Axis power (winning and seemingly not winning World War II), Italy's future military development will inevitably be strictly restricted. However, the experience and technological accumulation of war are invaluable and should not be buried.
Nanyang welcomes Fiat's experienced engineers and designers to come here with their knowledge and drawings.
We provide a secure R&D environment, ample financial support, and unrestricted testing grounds. Both parties can establish a joint R&D center and share their findings. Southeast Asia's vast defense needs will be the perfect place for these technologies to be utilized."
Little Giovanni's eyes lit up. This was exactly the way out he had envisioned.
"Secondly, in the civilian sector," Zhang Chi laid out his thoughts. "The automotive industry is the jewel in the industrial crown. The Southeast Asian market is just emerging, and people need affordable, practical, reliable, and durable transportation, not expensive luxury goods. Fiat has a deep foundation and successful experience in small cars and compact trucks (pickup trucks), which is exactly what Southeast Asia needs most in the next decade."
He had in mind the practical models that later became popular around the world:
"Imagine, based on your successful Topolino platform, developing a 'Southeast Asian national car' (similar to the Beetle) that is more suitable for tropical climates, has more flexible space, and is more affordable?
Or a small, durable pickup truck that can carry both people and cargo? I believe that with Fiat's technology and the market potential in Nanyang, we will create a new legend."
That was Zhang Chi's idea, skipping the bulky White Eagle muscle car and going straight to the sleek pragmatism of Yida.
Use Fiat's technology to fill the gap in civilian cars in Southeast Asia while avoiding direct competition with the White Eagle giant.