HCB Chapter 1288: Pulling Investment
Chapter 1288: Pulling Investment
Zhang Fengming thought for a moment, then replied, "Pearls, while a consumer product, are not a necessity. Although General Manager Liu will purchase them, if we promote this throughout the province, the amount of cultured pearls produced will be enormous. What if... what if we can't use them all? Pearls are neither edible nor drinkable, so it's better to farm seafood!"
"I suggest we first consult with the aquaculture company on Sifang Island to get guidance on the aquaculture area we need based on their requirements. Also, since we're aquaculture farmers, we should have our own pearl brand and sell our own products. However, the market is very complex, so we can't just rush into it. Let's start with a pilot project first."
Pearls are a good thing, but too many of them affect the price. The investment is large, and ordinary people can't make money. That will be his responsibility.
Secretary Xu was very satisfied. "Your suggestion is very sound. Now, go on your official business to Sifang Island and talk to General Manager Liu about our urgent thoughts."
Zhang Fengming nodded, "Yes, leader."
After finishing his work, Zhang Fengming arrived in Shenzhen with his assistant, Xiao Zhu.
Liu Meilan was preparing to attend the congress when she learned that Zhang Fengming had arrived. She went to Shencheng's office and prevented them from coming to the island.
"Brother Zhang, is there something you need?" Liu Meilan asked, personally pouring Zhang Fengming a glass of water.
Zhang Fengming took the teacup and asked with a smile, "I heard you're a representative now. Congratulations! Shenzhen has gained another representative who works for the benefit of the people."
"You flatter me, I haven't even participated yet!" Liu Meilan laughed. "You must have other things to do since you've come all this way, so go ahead and tell me!"
Zhang Fengming replied, "You guessed it. We received commendation from higher authorities for our pearl farming, and many people have come to visit and inspect, all wanting to introduce pearl farming to our area. But even the best products won't fetch a good price if too much is farmed. I'm here on behalf of my superiors to ask if you have any plans to increase pearl farming here?"
"Oh, so that's what it is!" Liu Meilan suddenly realized. "At this stage, we've started a sub-brand for children's skincare cream and toiletries for teenagers. The pearls you source are moisturizing and hydrating, and when combined with other ingredients, they're beneficial for reducing inflammation and fading acne scars. Oh, I forgot to mention, they have another benefit: when added to sunscreen products, their effectiveness is doubled. We've also been estimating the demand for pearls these past few days, and then allocating the scale of pearl farming accordingly."
Zhang Fengming breathed a sigh of relief. He understood that Liu Meilan needed more pearls as raw materials. "That's great, that's really good news. How long will it take to get an estimate?"
Liu Meilan opened her notebook. "I estimate that next week, according to my forecast, will be about four times that of this year. There aren't enough islands for pearl farming in Shenzhen anymore. The coastal provinces and deep-sea aquaculture are the key areas for our future development."
The market share of the Seven White Pearl series is increasing, and the demand for pearls is also growing. Other sub-brands, although containing less pearls, target a larger customer base and require huge quantities.
Zhang Fengming beamed, "Then I'll go back and mobilize the local people to raise five times the amount of livestock. If you don't want them, we can sell them to other buyers, okay?"
Liu Meilan pondered for a moment, "Within three years, all the pearls produced can only be sold to me, so I can support the brand. I'll buy five times the quantity of pearls. Is that alright?"
Zhang Fengming beamed with joy. With such a large breeding volume, three thousand more farmers could be added, and at least three thousand households would be able to escape poverty and become prosperous next year. "Okay, Meilan, I'll go back and talk to the farmers."
Liu Meilan opened her notebook and looked at Zhang Fengming, "Do you only want to farm pearls? Our Sifang Island seedling cultivation is also very advanced. Our improved seedlings have a high survival rate and fewer pests and diseases. Especially during the fishing ban period, these fish are just in time to hit the market, and the economic benefits they bring are actually no less than those of pearl farming, and the investment is also less."
Zhang Fengming smiled, took out his notebook, and opened a page. "How could we not have one? This is the second thing we want to talk about. As the tourism industry in the southern province gets better and better, the demand for seafood is increasing, especially during the fishing ban, which is our peak season."
Liu Meilan disagreed, saying, "Your area will become a peak tourist destination all year round in the future."
Zhang Fengming was taken aback, his eyes showing suspicion. Although they hoped for this, the area had been ravaged by disasters in recent years. Now that he had come to the area, his task was to lead the people to prosperity.
"Meilan, you...you're being too..." Zhang Fengming wanted to say that Liu Meilan was too optimistic, but there were other people around, and he couldn't contradict himself, so he immediately changed his words, "You're too much of a target, aren't you?"
Liu Meilan shook her head, "It's not a big deal, Brother Fengming. Take it one step at a time! In short, I won't refuse anything I can offer you."
Zhang Fengming smiled and said, "Okay, I'll go back and make arrangements to count the number of cultured pearls and seafood."
"Okay!" Liu Meilan agreed, glancing at the time on her wrist. "It's lunchtime. Wait a moment, I'll call Second Brother, Ye Qiang, and Xiaoyu over so we can eat together."
Zhang Fengming became familiar with Liu Meilan and knew her personality; she was never polite and when she said she wanted to treat someone to a meal, she really meant it.
Liu Meilan booked a private room at Yuehailou Restaurant.
Zhang Fengming raised his glass and said, "You are all business elites. What else can our Southern Province develop besides tourism? Please feel free to speak your mind. If it is feasible, I will definitely reward you handsomely."
Liu Yiwen thought for a moment, "As a tropical region, winter vegetables, tropical fruits, and aquaculture are all advantageous industries that contribute greatly to the local area. You can continue to promote off-season vegetables to fill the gap in the northern winter vegetable market."
Zhang Fengming nodded, "These are all within our planning scope. Our industry also needs to be developed."
Ye Qiang raised an eyebrow. "As for industry, fertilizer plants are essential for agriculture; they're national projects, so you don't lack them. For a place where tourism is the primary development focus, heavily polluting industries absolutely cannot be introduced. Your industries should ideally focus on processing locally available raw materials. For example, natural beverages like coconut juice. Some desserts require coconut flakes."
Zhang Fengming asked curiously, "Mr. Liu and Mr. Ye, do you have any plans to invest? For example, in skincare products or sunscreens, which are in high demand in our area. Since we have many tourists, we could create a new brand or acquire an established local brand. We also have a pearl-focused company in our area, but its business hasn't been doing well in recent years..."
Zhang Fengming came fully prepared. The main discussion focused on pearl and seafood farming, followed by attracting investment.
Whether there are dates or not, just throw the bat. What if you manage to knock down a date? Then you'll make a profit!