Chapter 1491 Causes Worry
It was Bao Zixuan who knew Shen Bi better, and there was indeed a more far-reaching plan at this moment. If it can be implemented as planned, it will be a huge boost to Xiangjiang’s financial industry. Coupled with HSBC's network and brand advantages, it will definitely become the biggest beneficiary.
Even Black Cloud Bank does not have as many outlets and branches as HSBC at this time. After all, it has been developed for more than a century and its business is deeply rooted in many places; it is not easy for other banks to get involved. This is also Shen Bi's confidence, a confidence that can bring HSBC back to the top of Hong Kong.
Even if we know that in terms of asset size, HSBC is far behind Black Cloud Group and even Hutchison Whampoa. But it does not rule out the possibility of occupying the commanding heights from another aspect. At least Shen Bi didn't want to lose the bank's influence. Previously, due to the Hong Kong dollar crisis, HSBC lost part of its minting rights due to actions that harmed the interests of the people of Hong Kong.
Then Black Cloud Bank relied on its technological advantages, especially the extensive use of ATM machines; HSBC's customer base in Hong Kong was surpassed by Black Cloud Bank. In fact, Shen Bi can accept these, and there are reasons to convince the board of directors.
With the return of Hong Kong, HSBC is no longer suitable to exist as a quasi-central bank; it is reasonable to give up some functions and privileges. If you want to continue to be the leader of Hong Kong's banking industry, you must do something that convinces and satisfies all banks.
In fact, Shen Bi would be a little envious of Black Cloud Bank and Yuan Tianfan, if he were in his position. It is estimated that Black Cloud Bank has long become the unshakable overlord of the Hong Kong banking industry. But it’s useless to think about it now. It’s more practical to let HSBC grow and increase its influence. He is about to leave the company where he has worked all his life, and he is retiring as chairman; at least he must leave a space for his successor to develop with great prospects.
The arrival of Governor Yoder made the atmosphere weird. After all, everyone knows that before, it was a period of mutual testing; now it is finally time to meet the real chapter.
What people didn't expect was that Youde walked directly towards Bao Zixuan. What kind of operation is this? Even the richest man Bao is a little confused. Could it be that they haven't seen each other for a long time, and the old guy misses him, but this doesn't make sense at all. After all, the relationship between the two is not that familiar. Is there anything else going on here?
He was looking for him as soon as he came here, and since the other party was the governor, it was hard for Bao, the richest man, to refuse. The future industries in Xiangjiang will never be discarded, and we will not dare to throw them away. I really can’t refuse Yoder’s kindness in releasing him.
Youde smiled and said: "I heard that you are back, and I have wanted to meet you for a long time. But I was worried that you had not been in Xiangjiang for so long and had many things at home and company, so I didn't bother you. Now I just happen to see you here, but It also saves a lot of trouble.”
Unexpectedly, the governor said this, which made Bao Zixuan a little confused. Could it be that the old boy has something to do with him, or has some other purpose? But they didn’t say anything, and it wasn’t easy to ask. After all, the other party is also the governor of Xiangjiang, so where does his identity and status lie?
Bao Zixuan said with a smile: "I have just come back, but I am worried about your Excellency the Governor. Next time if something happens, just ask the secretary to call me; but don't say anything to disturb me. That will be a shame. I feel a little embarrassed."
When you don’t know the other party’s purpose, it’s better to continue first. So as not to cause trouble for yourself or even cause unnecessary misunderstandings. After all, you still have to see what the other person says first, and then respond accordingly. Both Lee Shau-kee and Fok Ying-tung knew about Middle East affairs; as the governor of Hong Kong, it was impossible for Youde not to know about it.
In other words, there is definitely no talk of moving the main body of the black cloud to the UK. The British had made many hints before, but the richest man rejected them for various reasons. At this stage, even less so. But to be so polite all of a sudden, he must be asking for something. As an official with a veteran diplomat background, Youde seems very polite; but what he thinks in his heart is probably only known to himself.
Youde smiled and said: "It's not a big deal, it's just related to the future development of Hong Kong's economy. I want to discuss it with you. After all, in recent times, the real estate market in Hong Kong has been very volatile due to the combination of various factors."
"Although you are not engaged in real estate development, you can help analyze the problem from another perspective."
The latest wave of real estate price increases began at the end of 1975; the government started a subway construction plan in 1976, which increased the value of urban land. In 1978, the "Home Ownership Scheme" was launched, solving the housing problem of 2.225 million ordinary citizens. The population of Xiangjiang exceeded 4.5 million in 1977 and reached 5 million in 1979.
The increase in demand has caused the supply of buildings to exceed demand, and emerging towns have gradually formed. Following the rapid development in the late 1970s, the real estate market in Hong Kong reached its climax in 1981. However, the subsequent global economic crisis and the negotiations on the Huaying Hong Kong issue caused a crisis of confidence among Hong Kong people. At the end of 1982, Hong Kong property prices dropped 60% from 1981, and in 1983 the real estate market completely collapsed.
Although it is getting better now, it is still far different from before.
After all, people in Xiangjiang are waiting and watching, not daring to buy a house. Especially when Bao Zixuan made such a big splash in Fucaira. Media coverage is one thing, and the most important thing is to have some connections; or families that can afford to buy a house have some connections and channels.
Heiyun Group is likely to develop in Fucaira in the future, which will not be a good thing for Hong Kong's economy. In fact, since the 1970s, it has been the formation stage of Xiangjiang's industrial development towards modernization, diversification and becoming an international financial center.
Time has come to 1980; Hong Kong's economy has developed rapidly, whether in processing industry, foreign trade, transportation, finance, construction, tourism, etc. Gradually form an industrial city based on processing industry, dominated by foreign trade, and characterized by diversified operations.
The industrial development process of Xiangjiang has some characteristics that are exactly the same as those of other countries and regions: export orientation, a symbiotic relationship between industry and trade; the dominance of light industry; the majority of small enterprises and strong adaptability, etc.
These characteristics are determined by the inherent small environment of Xiangjiang itself. Hong Kong itself lacks natural resources, and industrial raw materials and semi-manufactured products mainly rely on imports. It has a large population and a small land, but it has a natural harbor in the world. The internal market is limited, and most of its products need to be exported. Therefore, the development of industry, from raw input to product output, must rely on foreign trade. Without foreign trade, Hong Kong industry and the entire economy will suffocate. On the other hand, due to the advantages of light industrial tools such as low investment, short production cycle, fast capital turnover, and strong adaptability, Xiangjiang started to develop light industry.
It can be said that except for Heiyun Group, most enterprises are engaged in light industrial production.
However, light industrial products themselves have no technical content. Moreover, Xiangjiang products are basically at the lowest end of the industry, or are produced by OEMs. European manufacturers all have their own reputation; it can even be said that they have become luxury goods. Therefore, the added value of the brand is very high, and the company has a relatively deep foundation and accumulation.
But Xiangjiang is different. They all rely on labor costs and transportation advantages to receive orders. If these two advantages are lost, it will be very difficult for a company to survive.
Nowadays, Southeast Asian countries are rising rapidly, and China has a clear advantage in terms of labor costs and land costs. If Xiangjiang does not change, or it does not find a path suitable for its own development. Then the final result can be imagined, and decline is even inevitable.
If a city wants to develop, it may be possible to rely on the financial industry, but this has great drawbacks. A small population may not be a big problem, as the financial industry does not require so many employees. Although it can be said that everyone in Xiangjiang stocks stocks, they cannot just rely on this; they do not engage in specific production labor, and they always feel a little weak.
Moreover, the overall economy is not good, let alone how good the real estate market will be.
Yoder doesn't have any good solutions at the moment, but he really wants to solve it. Although Hong Kong’s return is inevitable, that will happen ten years later. He does not want to cause a serious decline in Hong Kong's economic development during his term of office.
That is a matter of ability, which has a great impact on reputation. But I also know that as a diplomat, I am not good at economic development. London asked him to serve as the governor of Xiangjiang at this time, mainly to negotiate with the mainland.
If you don’t understand, then find someone who knows how to help. After much thought, there may be no one more suitable than Bao Zixuan.