Reborn in Hong Kong: The Tycoon Grows Up

Two days passed by in a flash, and the press conference jointly organized by Iraq, Heiyun Group, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was held as scheduled. However, not many reporters came this time, mainly because media from some countries were too late. Not having an Iraqi passport, or a series of problems such as flights; in short, there are various excuses.

In fact, there is another key point, and that is the issue of attention. It just involves Japanese and Hong Kong companies, and it really has nothing to do with media from other countries. Investment in Iraq will at most have a certain impact on world energy; but this impact is not as big as imagined.

First of all, Iraq's oil output is increasing every year. In fact, this is true not only of Iraq, but of every country in the world. After all, oil consumption is increasing rapidly; if the supply of crude oil does not increase, it will inevitably be unable to keep up with consumption.

Secondly, Heiyun and Mitsubishi invested in Iraq, even building factories; their customers were all Middle Eastern countries. Because there is no cost advantage at all when investing in and building factories in Iraq. After comprehensive factor analysis, many national media chose not to participate. But it’s not like they don’t report; they can get the news they need from partners or Japanese colleagues.

But Japanese reporters are definitely the most active. We chartered a plane directly, and there were two of them. During the Cold War, reporters from various countries had intelligence collection work that needed to be completed, and the Japanese media was not immune. Moreover, many newspapers are controlled by consortiums behind them. They want to know how Mitsubishi obtained the oil exploration rights; it can also be regarded as a way to understand the situation in advance for the next step.

In addition to the Japanese media, the media in various countries in the Middle East are also very active. Everyone wants to see what Heiyun and Mitsubishi are doing here, and why they suddenly made such a big noise in Iraq; after all, there were no signs before, which is really suspicious.

At 9 a.m., the press conference officially began. Reporters from various countries couldn't believe it when they saw a modern press conference auditorium. Especially journalists from the Middle East feel like they are in a dream.

No one knows better than them what Basra was like before. When was this press hall built? I had never seen it before.

Iraqis are changing, and that change is positive. This is not good news for neighboring countries. Having a powerful neighbor is definitely not a good thing.

But this is not the time to think about this. We still need to understand why Heiyun Group suddenly increased its investment in Iraq and why Mitsubishi chose to build a factory here. This is the main theme. As for the rest, I guess no one will care about it.

Ergongzi, Bao Zixuan, and Koki Iwasaki appeared on the rostrum, directly setting the tone for this press conference. In terms of staffing, it was full of sincerity, at least the reporters on the scene couldn't fault it.

First, the Second Young Master spoke. This was the most basic courtesy issue as a host.

As the future heir to the country, this is the first time he has appeared in front of foreign media. Although it has appeared before, it was not a press conference and it was not the protagonist. The second young master knew in his heart that his performance today would mean the world's impression of Iraq's future. Therefore, there must be no mistakes and the most perfect side must be shown to the public.

The second young master first said: "Thank you all journalist friends for traveling thousands of miles to come to Iraq. To be honest, Basra may not have given you a good impression. After all, we have just experienced a war here and many buildings were destroyed. People lost their houses and children. They lost their school."

"But why do we still put the press conference here? That's because if Iraq wants to be recognized by the whole world, it must have a sincere heart. Only in this way can it be worthy of its own people, partners, and those who support Iraq in the world. People. It’s not terrible to have problems. What’s terrible is that we don’t take the initiative to face the problems.""

"I always want to hide it, so I won't get the recognition of the world at all."

"It is precisely because of this sincerity that Heiyun Group and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries dare to come to Iraq, a country that has just experienced war, to invest and build factories. Here I would like to thank the two partners for their trust and support in Iraq. At the same time, I want to assure you that Iraq will do its best and meet any reasonable needs of its partners."

"The reporters on the scene today are the best witnesses for our three parties."

Although the speech was short, it was definitely conveyed with emotion and moved with reason. At this time, Bao Shoufang really admired this kid. It seemed that he just didn't have the opportunity to display his abilities in his previous life.

After the Second Young Master finished speaking, it was time for reporters to ask questions.

But the first question was still given to the second young master. This was a good thing agreed between them. Neither Iwasaki Koki nor Bao Shoufang wanted to steal the limelight from him, especially on today's occasion.

A reporter from the Iraqi National TV Station first asked: "Hello, Second Young Master. Although Heiyun Group and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries came to Iraq to build factories, Iraq also paid a considerable price for this. What is the reason that makes your Excellency the President and you , agreed to allow Mitsubishi and Heiyun Group to obtain oil exploration rights."

"Is there a causal relationship between oil extraction and factory construction?"

This is a question that people in China really want to know, and even most entrepreneurs in the world want to understand. Although we all know what is going on, we still want to hear what the senior Iraqi officials have to say.

As for the Iraqi National Television, they also specially arranged for them to raise this issue. Solving doubts once and for all is also one of the purposes of this press conference.

The second young master said very seriously: "In the Middle East, which is vast and has a relatively harsh environment, if there is a country that can be called the 'chosen place' in the Arab world, then it must be our Iraq."

"Iraq is not only rich in oil resources, but the Mesopotamian plain beneath our feet has been freed from drought problems due to the existence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Therefore, we in Iraq do not lack food."

"In six years, Iraq's per capita GDP soared from US$382 to US$2,726, an increase of more than 6 times. In the early 1970s, the number of domestic private cars was only 67,400, but by 1978 it had grown to 170,000, an increase of 2 times. many."

"But all of this came to an abrupt end with a war. Don't be afraid of your jokes, because of the Iran-Iraq war, Iraq's vitality was severely damaged. Oil revenue dropped sharply, and oil exports were only about 20% of pre-war levels. We have It has a lot of savings, but now it has tens of billions of dollars in foreign debt.”

"A protracted war has turned Iraq, once a wealthy country, into a state of devastation."

"Actually, this is not the most terrifying thing. After all, Iraq still has abundant oil resources; as long as we want, we can live a prosperous life very quickly. But through the war, we discovered a fatal problem, that is, Iraq's industrial base is very weak, and even Arguably almost none. This is a very dangerous thing, although hopefully a war will never happen on Iraqi soil."

"But when war is inevitable, Iraq must be prepared. That's why we invited the world's two largest industrial groups to invest in Iraq."

"As for whether you obtained the oil exploration rights because of the investment in the factory. What I want to tell you is that although there is no necessary connection, this is indeed an important bonus item."

"The war damaged a lot of equipment, which severely affected oil exports. And now Iraq does not have much funds to replace oil production equipment. At this time, Heiyun and Mitsubishi came and helped us a lot."

"And these two companies are very fair in their work. It can be said that the cooperation between the two parties is very fair and just. No one takes advantage, and of course no one will suffer."

"Here I also want to convey the true thoughts of Iraq through my journalist friends. We absolutely warmly welcome you to invest in Iraq; but if you want to come and take advantage, I advise you to give up."

The second young master's answer was even more exciting than his previous speech. Being able to look squarely at the shortcomings of a country is itself a kind of progress in the Middle East.

And he also listed Iraq's advantages, at least advantages that other major oil-producing countries in the Middle East do not have. I also want to convey a message through the media; those countries and companies that are holding Iraq's neck need to think carefully. By doing this, will Iraq be able to commit the crime?

As the heir to Iraq, his first official appearance was perfect. At least let the world see that Iraq has a successor with outstanding abilities and the courage to admit his own shortcomings; this is the best gift for the country and its people.