Chapter 422: Chapter 402: Eastern Development Forum_2
Three hundred million yuan may only boost Jiangbei Province’s GDP by a few decimal points, but in poor regions, it could likely represent a whole percentage point, or even more. That is the significant impact of economic advancement.

As the mayor, Nie Zhenbang must consider the development of Liangxi City, just as Ning Shouchang, being the governor, has to take into account the development of Jiangbei Province. If Liangxi City and Jiangbei are facing the same challenges, then Nie Zhenbang’s approach would be something Ning could learn from. Therefore, at this moment, Governor Ning seemed very interested.

“Governor, Liangxi City has a robust economic base, with five districts and two towns under its jurisdiction. Enterprises in the towns and villages of Yanling City and Zisha City are thriving. My preliminary plan is to keep overall economic adjustments in Liangxi City minimal. Experience shows that this approach works. My initial idea is to provide reasonable guidance for village operations and support the expansion and development of businesses. Our city plans to attract firms related to these enterprises, forging a complete industrial chain from raw material acquisition and processing down to various derivative products. This will optimize our city’s industrial structure. Our aim is to establish large businesses and corporations with significant influence domestically and even worldwide, thus stimulating the city’s economic growth,” Nie Zhenbang outlined his entire plan after a brief pause.

At this moment, Ning Shouchang began to ponder. Nie Zhenbang’s plan seemed grand and complex initially, but it actually came down to two simple aspects: expansion and correct guidance.

However, this plan confirmed Ning Shouchang’s confidence. Some local officials often completely reject their predecessors’ plans and strategies when they take on their new roles, preferring to start new projects according to their ideas. It seems as if they believe they cannot demonstrate their abilities unless they do so.

In fact, Ning Shouchang was well aware that this behavior was driven by vanity. No leader could confidently claim that they would stay in one place forever. If that were the case, it would mean that they would never be promoted. It’s a scenario no one wants to imagine. Typically, leaders stay in one position for a maximum of eight years or as little as one and a half years. By the time they leave, their extensive projects may not have yielded any results and may be abandoned by their successors. In the end, nothing is accomplished.

At this moment, Ning Shouchang looked at Nie Zhenbang differently. Many local officials are reluctant to follow in their predecessors’ footsteps for fear of accusations of capitalizing on the efforts of others. It was rare for someone as young as Nie Zhenbang to understand and ignore such personal gains and losses. At this moment, Ning Shouchang did not hesitate to praise him, nodding and saying, “Well done. It’s rare to find someone like you who is able to think like this. You truly live up to your reputation. People say that you, Nie Zhenbang, are good at economic administration. I was somewhat skeptical in the past, believing it was more a case of circumstances creating heroes. But now, I believe it.”

Ning Shouchang paused before continuing, “I think your plan is excellent. Building on existing advantages and not discounting the achievements of your predecessor are signs of the correct development mentality. If carried out well, the province will offer its support.”

“Governor, I have another idea I’d like to discuss with you,” Nie Zhenbang said, appearing calm as he revealed another piece of information.

This time, Ning Shouchang was even more eager. Looking at Nie Zhenbang, he smiled and said, “Zhenbang, my boy, why are you always holding back? Is there anything you can’t share with your Uncle Ning? Speak your mind quickly. There’s no need to hide anything.”

Listening to Ning Shouchang, Nie Zhenbang laughed. In private, he admitted that there was no need to be so courteous between himself and Ning Shouchang.

However, this was part of Nie Zhenbang’s approach. After his grandfather’s death and the collapse of the Nie family’s influence, the other clans were eager for their downfall. If he continued to be high-profile as before, he might attract attacks. Nie Zhenbang understood the principle that the tree that stands out gets cut down.

So, whether in front of acquaintances or strangers, Nie Zhenbang maintained a modest and low-key demeanor. Of course, that didn’t mean he would let people push him around. If there were real trouble, Nie Zhenbang would become the high-profile ‘Third Brother Nie’.

After organizing his thoughts and words, he straightforwardly said, “Uncle Ning, my idea is that now the trading fair in Yuedong Province is very successful. Similar events, known as development forums, are also held abroad.”

Raising his eyebrows at this new term, Ning Shouchang repeated it.

Nie Zhenbang smiled: forums, summits and the like might become popular in Huaxia only after the World Expo and Asian Forum in the future. What Nie Zhenbang wanted to do was establish one while the field was still fresh, setting it in Liangxi City which would bring enormous benefits in the long run.

He went on to explain, “Uncle Ning, the term ‘Development Forum’ is merely borrowed from contemporary western terminology. Basically, it’s a summit for businesses from all areas, even all over the world. We can invite global companies to attend and then, our Jiangbei Province, as well as surrounding areas like Hucheng, South of the Yangtze River and other eastern provinces, can present our investment projects. This organized approach to attract investment is better than the current individual efforts and can also prevent fraud from trickster investors. I intend to name this event – the Eastern Development Forum.”

Eastern Development Forum?

At this moment, Ning Shouchang was stunned. He initially assumed Nie Zhenbang’s plan was merely a proposal to attract investment to Liangxi City. However, as it involves several eastern provinces such as Hucheng, Ludong, South of the Yangtze River, and Minan, as well as coordination amongst provinces, the situation was not so simple. It would require mobilization of all the developed provinces along the east coast of Huaxia.

However, Ning Shouchang was no ordinary man. If this project were successful, with Jiangbei Province as its initiator, the benefits would be substantial. This could be a significant achievement under his governance.

With this thought, Ning Shouchang was unable to sit still. He stood up and began pacing in his study. After a while, he stopped, looked at Nie Zhenbang and asked, “Zhenbang, do you have a systematic plan for this Eastern Development Forum?”

Seeing Nie Zhenbang nod affirmatively, Ning Shouchang immediately picked up his briefcase and said in a solemn voice, “Come, let’s go to the Provincial Party Committee together. We need to report this matter to Secretary Shen promptly.” (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to qidian.com to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)