The overseas investments of the Westeros system are extensive and complex. China, South Korea, Ukraine, and Australia are just the main directions that are easily visible to the public, but they are actually spread all over the world.
Some of the most successful ones, such as Nokia, which is headquartered in Finland, and Melisandre, which is run by Sofia, are even subconsciously regarded as American companies by most people due to the absolute control of the Westeros system.
As for the most popular Chinese investment in the past few years, due to the rise of giants that have not yet been able to take action, it gives people a sense of excitement on the surface but it is not easy to tell specific cases.
This is actually due to comparison.
Compared with the giants at the core of the Westeros system with a market value of hundreds of billions or even more than 500 billion, all investments made by China seem insignificant. After all, China's estimated total GDP in 1998 has actually just exceeded 1 trillion U.S. dollars. With such an economic size, it is naturally impossible for a super giant to attract attention.
Let’s talk about South Korea, Ukraine, Australia, etc. This is basically the case.
Comparing people to each other makes people angry.
Therefore, this time "Forbes" elaborates on relevant content mainly to give a general direction.
For example, in China, well, people in the industry who pay a little attention know that the investment in the Westeros system is all-round and without blind spots. However, if we talk about the main directions, technology, real estate, and steel, I can still talk about it.
But just say it.
Of course, it's because Forbes has its hands and feet tied.
It is impossible for Simon to allow the media to describe the layout of the Westeros system in too much detail. Not only Forbes, but also other following media after the list was released.
If anyone crosses the line carelessly, they will be punished.
Simon can bring down the Hearst family. In this world, no media giant now reports news without considering the consequences of angering the Westeros system.
free
Of course you are free. You can dig up and scold the President of the United States at will. Isn’t that free enough
Therefore, areas where there is no freedom must be settled.
Although ordinary people will only think that the overseas investment of the Westeros system is just a fun after reading media reports such as "Forbes", just like Simon originally described to Soros, sowing seeds everywhere, but even if Soros does not see through it at a glance A slightly smarter person, combined with Simon's fortune history, can also predict that this is certainly not random.
Maybe one day, just like the Westeros system to new technology, it will suddenly explode. Looking back, Simon Westeros has already cut the biggest piece of the cake in advance.
Therefore, in these years, smart capital has followed the Westeros system and followed suit.
After briefly introducing the overseas investment of the Westeros system, the last part of this "Forbes" topic is, not surprisingly, the 3G plan that Simon is paying more and more attention to.
This is standard public opinion indoctrination.
Just like in the original timeline, Damen's classmate started to transform into a philanthropist after he became the world's richest man in the late 1990s. This was not an easy 'job', so it took more than 20 years of transformation and repeated repeated remarks before the public was able to generally accepted. Simon wants the 3G plan to be deeply ingrained in the public mind, and it will also take at least 20 to 30 years.
Fortunately, Simon has no shortage of time.
After reading the special article in "Forbes" and chatting with Jiang Shanwu next to him, the motorcade passed through the streets that were still very lively today and arrived at the Cheong Wa Dae.
Inside the presidential palace.
As soon as Simon got off the bus, Kim Dae-jung, who was greeted in advance, stepped forward, accompanied by a middle-aged man in his forties who looked somewhat similar to him. Simon had read the information in advance and found out that this was Kim Dae-jung's eldest son, Kim Dae-jung. Hongil, also a politician, was elected as a member of the South Korean Congress two years ago.
The two parties greeted each other warmly and came together to a Korean-style teahouse inside the Blue House.
We didn’t talk about anything serious at first, just chatting and admiring the Korean tea ceremony prepared by Kim Dae Jung in advance. Although Simon is very uninterested in Korean traditional costumes, which are too ugly, the two girls showing off their tea art are pretty, which makes up for it.
While drinking tea, I even gave him a few compliments.
The main reason is that Kim Dae-jung's various actions since he came to power for more than half a year really satisfy Simon. Koreans have strong self-esteem and like to save face. Of course Simon is not stingy with such free things.
After such entertainment, about half an hour later, Jin Dazhong asked everyone else to leave, including his eldest son Jin Hongyi, who had been accompanying him just now. Only Jiang Shanwu was left in the tea room, acting as an interpreter. This is also something that has been determined in advance. The less outsiders know about some conversations, the better.
Choosing Simon's translator instead of the Blue House's arrangement was of course also to accommodate Simon.
After all, one's own people are the most trustworthy.
After everyone left, Jin Dazhong also changed the topic, but first talked about the soon-to-be-released "Forbes" America's 400 Richest List on the other side of the ocean: "I have read some media reports, Simon, your personal wealth this year is expected to reach 2 Trillion dollars, this is really a shocking number, congratulations."
Simon knew that Kim Dae Jung obviously read the reports of other financial media. Just like various Oscar preview awards, before the release of the Forbes list, various other media would also join in the fun.
"Thanks, Kim, it's actually not that much. I happened to have seen the sample issue of Forbes, and the number given this year is $1.8 trillion."
Kim Dae-jung didn’t think there was any difference between 1.8 trillion and 2 trillion. He still smiled: “It must be conservative, Simon. I believe there must be two trillion US dollars.”
Simon just smiled and didn't say much.
Easterners are reserved and tend to be modest and restrained when it comes to wealth.
In front of him, Kim Dae-jung deliberately promoted Simon's personal net worth to more than two trillion U.S. dollars. He probably studied the habits of Westerners in advance and believed that wealth is not something that needs to be avoided, but is a kind of pride. If you exaggerate too much, the guests will definitely be happy. .
After being so polite, Jin Dazhong took a sip of the tea in front of him and raised his head again with a worried look on his face: "Simon, I think when you came over, you must have seen the protesting crowd outside the Blue House."
"Yeah, but that's not a problem," Simon also suppressed his smile and said sympathetically: "Jin, we can all see that you have done a good enough job this year. As for those people outside the Blue House, Frankly speaking, for democratic countries, these things will never be lacking at any time. You should pay attention to North America. As the head of the most powerful country in the world, Bill has experienced more embarrassment than anyone else this year. "
"This, Bill's matter, is really a pity." Kim Dae Jung did not bury Clinton together with Simon. He responded and said: "Simon, what I actually want to say is that such as the refining and chemical plant that SK cooperates with China, and the Samsung plan The joint venture automobile companies established in China, these projects... Of course I have no objection, but as for the local factories, I don’t think it’s okay to continue. Even if the salary is reduced, I think the employees can accept it, right?”
"Jin, I guess you must have discussed this matter with Mr. Cui and the others."
"Yes, it was rejected," Jin Dazhong did not hide it and said: "Simon, if you are willing to speak, they will definitely not object."
"Unemployment is a serious social problem in any country. If I can help, I will definitely not be stingy." Simon looked at Jin Dazhong; "The problem is, maybe you have a list of factories here that you want me to help keep. If I ask , it can indeed be reversed, but, according to the theory of Eastern medicine, this is called healing the surface, but does not solve the underlying problem."
Kim Dae-jung's English is actually pretty good. After all, he once lived in exile in the United States, but he just chose not to speak it, instead using his native language.
When he heard Simon's answer, Jin Dazhong couldn't help but change to English and said directly: "Simon, this is why I have firmly supported various consortiums to reduce their business since I took office. We cannot violate the laws of economics. However, in fact, I only It will take some time. These factories that do not need to be closed down urgently can be delayed for another half a year or a year. When South Korea’s economy improves and there are more opportunities, it will be no problem for them to take the next step.”
Saying this, Jin Dazhong, who was sitting across the tea table, bowed his head slightly towards Simon: "Simon, this is my plea."
Simon looked at Jin Da Zhong's sudden surrender in front of him, and probably realized that a certain girl's frequent actions in South Korea in the past year may have gone too far in squeezing the country to the extreme.
Since South Korea is to be built into an economic colony of the Westeros system, squeezing profits is definitely a must, and Simon is the biggest capitalist in the world. However, with a soul from the East in his body, Simon understands better that he cannot catch all the opportunities he has.
After a little hesitation, Simon nodded: "Okay, Jin, I promise you."
"Thank you, Simon," Kim Dae Jung saw Simon's promise and thanked him again: "The Republic of Korea will never forget the help you have given us several times in a row."
Simon smiled slightly, but he was somewhat impressed by Jin Dazhong's ability to say these words.
After all, ordinary people may be manipulated by public opinion at will, but when they reach Kim Dae Jung's level, they will definitely not be so naive.
After chatting about this topic, Simon also took the initiative to talk about another thing: "Jin, at last night's cocktail party, Mr. Choi from SK complained to me again. Although Cheong Wa Dae has been working hard to promote the streamlining and adjustment of enterprises, the flexibility of enterprises in mergers and acquisitions or There are still too many government restrictions on the transition. For example, SK took over the electronics business unit from Hyundai. Because it involved many fields, it actually required the approval of 11 departments. Even if this was a special incident of Cheong Wa Dae, it still dragged on for more than a month. , if this problem is not resolved, it may be very difficult for the Korean economy to complete reform and recovery."
Jin Dazhong listened to Simon's words with a serious expression and nodded sincerely: "Simon, in fact, I have been working hard to deal with this problem. In the past year, I have streamlined many departments and urgently released more than 60 items that required the approval of cabinet departments. The problem is that even if it’s the Blue House, I don’t have the final say alone. What’s more, there are many obstacles from the National Assembly. It’s not easy to do many things. However, Simon, I promise that I will speed up the progress. The 'small government' strategy proposed during the campaign will continue to be implemented throughout my administration."
"I'm looking forward to the prospects you describe, Kim. In such an era of globalization, any country can have a future only by maintaining a free and open business environment. Being conservative and closed will only bring about stagnation."
Because Jin DaZhong took the initiative to switch to English, Jiang ShanWu, who was sitting next to Simon, gradually became a vase. However, Jiang Shanwu thought it was very interesting to listen to the various conversations between two men who seemed to be getting more and more congenial as they chatted.
At the same time, confusion is inevitable.
After all, it is still limited by knowledge and experience. Even if Jiang Shanwu is smart enough and is very studious around Chen Qing, he will not look at many things as well as his own boss who has lived in two lifetimes and the president of South Korea who has been ups and downs for many years.
The two-hour meeting seemed to end in the blink of an eye. Both Simon and Kim Dae-jung said goodbye and left the Blue House. Simon sat in the carriage and continued to read the "Forbes" magazine. Seeing Jiang Shanwu looking at him frequently, he smiled. Said: "You can ask any questions, I may not give you the answer."
"Does the boss really agree to postpone the closure of those factories?"
"After reading the list given by Kim Dae-jung, I must give the other party some face, which is nothing more than spending more money. Anyway, we don't need to pay the money ourselves. It is better to pass it directly to the IMF."
Jiang Shanwu originally got the answer, but when her boss said the last word, she wondered: "Why is it 'better'?"
"Because this will allow South Korea to take on more debt," Simon said: "If you follow Xiaoqing, haven't you noticed that South Korea has introduced enough funds this year, and coupled with the currency depreciation, the foreign exchange income obtained through exports is also very generous. , after this year, we may no longer need follow-up funds from the IMF, which is not good for us.”
"I know," Jiang Shanwu nodded and curled up his lips: "Sister Chen said that this is the boss's credit, and international capital is like a follower behind us. Well, in this case, should the boss take some measures, such as, Directly disburse debt funds to South Korea in advance?”
Simon shook his head: "Our first-stage goal of controlling the Korean economy has been basically achieved. The next step is to continue to deepen the control of the major chaebols. South Korea borrows less debt, and perhaps pays off the loan in advance, which will definitely shorten the time of the IMF system. This is indeed It will affect our direct intervention in South Korea's economy, but for now, it is not a big deal."
Jiang Shanwu once again expressed his understanding, and then added: "In addition, boss, I have been studying economics in school for the past two years. I feel... I feel that the boss said that only a free and open market has a future. This seems to be a problem?"
Simon glanced at the girl next to him and said with a smile: "I was meant to trick fools. If you can figure it out on your own, it means you are very smart."
Jiang Shanwu's eyes suddenly widened slightly. She was actually just a little hesitant. Unexpectedly, her boss's tone was quite negative!
Seeing Jiang Shanwu's speechless look, Simon reached out and pinched the girl's delicate chin: "As for you, you just need to remember that what we call economic freedom is basically just to facilitate our strong economy to deal with the weak. Invasion and control of economies, this is the freedom we need. On the other hand, weak economies have no freedom to speak of here, they will only encounter various rules set by us."
Jiang Shanwu was disturbed by her boss's claws, but she suddenly felt relieved and couldn't help but said: "Boss, what if one day, the status of the strong economy and the weak economy are interchanged?"
Simon took back his hand and said: "Either the strong economy will destroy the other party at all costs before this exchange occurs, just like what the United States did to Japan in the 1980s. Or, let freedom go to hell and destroy itself first. Protect yourself first."
Simon's big hand left, and Jiang Shanwu was inexplicably a little disappointed. She tilted her head slightly and looked at her boss: "Well, boss, I feel like, why don't many countries do this when they encounter problems?"
"Either it's like Japan and South Korea, where they can't help themselves," Simon still quickly gave the answer: "Or, it's like you."
Jiang Shanwu shrank his neck slightly: "What?"
"I have been repeatedly brainwashed by the free market theory of a strong economy and become stupid."
Jiang Shanwu felt that it made sense in her heart, and couldn't help but retort a little: "Boss, I discovered the problem. I haven't been cleansed of my stupidity."
There is obviously no confidence in what he said.
If his boss hadn't casually pointed it out, Jiang Shanwu felt that he would not have dared to question the free market theory casually. That would be a treason against the world's mainstream economic thinking.