Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1026 - Chapter 1026 Chapter 982 Financial Issues

Chapter 1026: Chapter 982: Financial Issues Chapter 1026: Chapter 982: Financial Issues Zhou Danian took a deep breath. Although he was currently only a director of a marginal tourism bureau, Zhou Danian still had some ideas in his heart. At fifty-three years old, he still had a bright future ahead.

Now was an opportunity, so at the beginning, Zhou Danian did not talk about how great the tourism in Hongjiang Province was. Instead, he chose to start from the disadvantages, which could attract attention and make a striking impression.

By doing so, it might give Secretary Nie a sense of a refreshing experience.

Obviously, Zhou Danian’s gamble paid off, and Nie Zhenbang was indeed interested.

Having succeeded at the first step, Zhou Danian did not dare to slack off. His mind rapidly worked, organizing his thoughts.

Being original also required capital. Although he had successfully piqued Secretary Nie’s curiosity, what came next was crucial–securing Secretary Nie’s approval was key. If the subsequent reporting and summary were not handled well, everything would be in vain.

After pausing briefly, Zhou Danian then said, “Secretary Nie, your view is indeed accurate. Hongjiang Province is an extremely rich province in terms of tourism resources, including the summer resort Lushan, famous Taoist mountains, and historical and cultural relics such as Teng Ge, among others. These are all tourism resources of Hongjiang. In addition, many places within the province are rich in tourism resources and have beautiful and unique scenery, including Danxia landform and Karst landform, to name a few, gathering various types of tourism resources. One could say it has a spirit of the mountains and rivers, combining the peculiar, treacherous, elegant, secluded, and beautiful all in one.”

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang was also carefully pondering Zhou Danian’s words. Since the agriculture and industry of Hongjiang were not well developed, turning to the tourism industry as a breakthrough to transform Hongjiang into a nationally and even internationally renowned tourist destination was the key to unlocking Hongjiang’s economic development. With a massive influx of tourists, Hongjiang’s commerce would also see a rapid development. If the industrial route were taken, no matter how good the environmental protection measures or how strict the investment conditions, it would still be a form of destruction to Hongjiang’s natural landscape–a crime.

Unintentionally, Nie Zhenbang also murmured, “Peculiar, treacherous, elegant, secluded, beautiful; these five words sum it up well. It could be said that they perfectly encapsulate Hongjiang’s natural environment and landscapes. Comrade Danian, that’s a brilliant statement.”

Zhou Danian was very humble, smiling and speaking in a low-key manner, “Secretary Nie, you flatter me.”

Beyond these five points, Hongjiang’s identity as an old revolutionary base also made it an excellent red education base. The two aspects could promote each other, and indeed, Hongjiang’s tourism had tremendous potential for development.

As he spoke, Zhou Danian then took out a plan from his briefcase and respectfully handed it over to Nie Zhenbang before saying, “Secretary Nie, please take a look at this. This is a Hongjiang tourism development plan I made three years ago when I first took office as the director of the provincial tourism bureau. Next, I’ll discuss the difficulties of developing tourism in Hongjiang.”

Nie Zhenbang opened the plan, but his gaze stayed on Zhou Danian and he didn’t seem to look at the plan itself, which Zhou Danian quickly grasped. Secretary Nie was waiting for him to continue his report.

Immediately gathering his thoughts, Zhou Danian proceeded, “Secretary Nie, what I’ve just analyzed are the advantages. These are the foundation. With this foundation, tourism has the basics for development. However, the reason I’m not very optimistic about the development of tourism in Hongjiang is primarily the issue of funding. Money is needed for tourism development and construction. On the one hand, there’s the construction of scenic areas. Most of the tourist spots in Hongjiang are purely ecological and natural. While they are beautiful, they are still not up to the standard for receiving tourists. After all, some places are still dangerous. So, the construction of the tourist spots and the accompanying facilities, such as hotels, also constitutes a significant investment. Besides, I have carefully inspected several of the most promising scenic areas within the province and found that most of them are located in mountainous areas with inconvenient traffic. This is a heavy blow to our tourism development. Without improved transportation, everything is vain. We have the capability to receive visitors, but the number of tourists is scarce, which is also a flaw and a reason I think tourism in Hongjiang cannot truly develop.”

Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang’s brows furrowed. Construction of scenic areas, development of supporting soft and hard infrastructure, transport construction–all of these would consume vast amounts of manpower and resources, and indeed, these presented the biggest problem for Hongjiang’s current financial difficulties.

After a moment of silence, Nie Zhenbang firmly said, “The problem of funding is not an issue. We can ask for help from above, introduce tourism investors, and even, in the name of the provincial committee and government, apply for loans from the national government, or even the World Bank. Money can always be solved by some means. It should not become a restraining factor. If the province can solve the issue of funds, Comrade Danian, do you have the confidence to push Hongjiang tourism to the national and international stage?”

This statement made Zhou Danian’s heart skip a beat with joy. After a moment of silence, he nodded solemnly, “Secretary Nie, I have that confidence. As long as there are no problems with funding in these areas, I guarantee that within three years, Hongjiang’s tourism will become a financial pillar industry for Hongjiang Province.”

When Zhou Danian said these words, it could be said that he was taking a huge risk. At this moment, in such a setting, it almost seemed like he was laying down a military order.

Of course, if he succeeded, Secretary Nie’s view of him would definitely change. Not to mention looking at him more highly, at least he would see him in a new light, which was absolutely certain.

But the risk was also significant. If he failed to achieve the result or did not succeed, Secretary Nie would inevitably have the impression of his incompetence. After that, any hopes of promotion would be impossible.

This was an issue where risk and opportunity coexisted. However, Zhou Danian wanted to gain Nie Zhenbang’s attention and approval, so this risk was one he had to take.

Nie Zhenbang appeared very casual at that moment, quickly scanning over the planning document. Suddenly, his eyes lit up as he said to Zhou Danian, “Comrade Danian, this plan is quite good indeed. You’ve expanded the city’s image promotional video to a provincial-level promotional film. Selecting the most beautiful scenic spots in Hongjiang, for sightseeing or summer retreat, or for their quaint charm and appeal. This is excellent, this idea is really good. This will indeed have a huge promotional effect on our Hongjiang’s tourism.”

After pondering for a moment, Nie Zhenbang then said in a grave tone, “Comrade Danian, for the promotional video, wait and discuss it with Minister Wei later. Shooting a promotional film is within the remit of the propaganda department. Later, I’ll give Wei Lin a call. You report your idea to Comrade Wei Lin. Get started on the implementation immediately. As for the funding issue, I will handle it.”

After seeing Zhou Danian off, Nie Zhenbang was soon joined by another person brought in by Hong Feng. This man, around the same age as Zhou Danian, was Huang Zhiyuan, the head of Hongjiang Province’s Commerce Department, mainly responsible for attracting investment and commercial negotiations across the province.

In fact, Nie Zhenbang’s main purpose for calling Huang Zhiyuan over was to discuss the tourism development of Hongjiang. His decision to see Zhou Danian first and then Huang Zhiyuan was also based on this consideration.

Huang Zhiyuan appeared much more restrained, sitting in his chair with a sense of unease. Nie Zhenbang, however, was unconcerned about such details. Respect wasn’t solely expressed through such acts, and those familiar with Secretary Nie knew that what Nie Zhenbang valued were personal capabilities and morals.

Having the ability to lead the people to wealth and prosperity, to drive local development, social progress, possessing morals; not corrupt, not seeking personal gain.

That was Nie Zhenbang’s character, always unchanged; and, in fact, his consistent alignment with the interests of the majority was the most crucial reason for his unimpeded success throughout his career.

As for this kind of feigned respectfulness, Nie Zhenbang’s stance was that he neither encouraged nor opposed it. Specifically, how you sat was entirely up to you. If you sat with sincerity, Nie Zhenbang wouldn’t think you disrespectful; if you were pretentious in your seat, he wouldn’t regard you any more highly for it.

After a pause, Nie Zhenbang handed Huang Zhiyuan the planning document Zhou Danian had given him and said with a smile, “Director Huang, take a look. This is the tourism development plan submitted by Comrade Zhou Danian from the Provincial Tourism Bureau. Take a look and see if there are any opinions or ideas from the perspective of investment attraction in tourism resources on the part of the Commerce Department.”

Huang Zhiyuan dared not be negligent, stood up respectfully, and bowed as he accepted the planning document Nie Zhenbang handed over. This time, Huang Zhiyuan settled into his seat firmly, for it wasn’t fitting not to. Now that Secretary Nie was putting him to the test about his actual abilities, not reading thoroughly and presenting no plans in front of Secretary Nie would be detrimental.

Nie Zhen had been in office in Hongjiang for no short time, and most of the cadres in the province clearly understood his character. Playing pretentious games in front of Secretary Nie was akin to courting death.

Fortunately, the planning document wasn’t very long. After about fifteen minutes, Huang Zhiyuan raised his head and said to Nie Zhenbang, “Secretary Nie, upon seeing this, I have an immature idea. The fourth Huaxia Tourism Expo will soon be held in Chunan Province. I think this might be an opportunity for promotion.”

(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets on Qidian, your support is my greatest motivation.)