The expeditionary force began to dominate Southeast Asia by recruiting defeated soldiers

Chapter 560: Boss Lu's Nanyang Investigation Record (Part 2)

"Here... is it really free?" Boss Sun from the flour mill couldn't help but ask contact Chen in a low voice.

Liaison Officer Chen smiled and pointed to a prominent sign at the port entrance. It read in Chinese, Japanese, and other languages:

The Customs and Port Authority of the Nanyang United States solemnly promises to act in accordance with the law, with integrity and efficiency. Reporting corruption and bribery will result in a reward of up to 1000 Nanyang dollars!

There is also a reporting phone number and a wooden mailbox for delivering letters.

"The Commander-in-Chief has zero tolerance for corruption. We will punish anyone caught and show no mercy," said Liaison Officer Chen in a serious tone. "When doing business here, the rules are the rules. You must pay every penny of tax you owe, and you don't have to pay a penny of money you shouldn't pay."

The members of the inspection team looked at each other and saw the shock in each other's eyes.

If this were said in the Republic of China, it would be simply a fantasy.

Afterwards, they were arranged to visit an "emerging industrial park" located on the outskirts of Bianzhou City (Mandalay).

The park is scientifically planned and has all the necessary infrastructure including roads, water, electricity, sewage, etc.

There are large machinery factories and steel mills under the Nanhua Group, as well as many small and medium-sized factories under the names of private owners, some producing daily necessities, some processing agricultural products, and some manufacturing hardware parts...

The machines are roaring and the workers are busy, creating a scene of vitality.

At a bicycle parts factory jointly run by several returned overseas Chinese, the boss warmly welcomed them.

"Mr. Lu, I've long heard of you." The boss, surnamed Wu, is in his twenties, young and energetic. "Our factory took less than a month from applying for land, obtaining licenses, to getting water and electricity."

"Officials from the Ministry of Industry come by every week to ask if we have any difficulties, and Nanhua Group's technical center even provides free consultation on equipment upgrades. Here..." Boss Wu patted his chest vigorously, "We're all about efficiency and fairness. As long as you have the technology, the products, and follow the rules, you can make money and develop."

The entire huge market in Southeast Asia was once a dumping ground for white colonists' goods. After Zhang Chi drove out the John people and temporarily blocked the White Eagles with tariffs, it completely became a huge virgin land waiting to be developed by Chinese capital.

As long as any industrial product is produced, there will be no worries about selling it, just like when White Eagle first established the country on the vast east coast of America.

Boss Wu's words hit the hearts of everyone in the inspection team like a heavy hammer.

Especially those industrialists who originally just had the mentality of "wait and see", their eyes became hot.

The environment here is completely different from the business world of the Republic of China that they are familiar with, which is full of constraints and exploitation at every level.

Not to mention, there is no need to fight against compradors controlled by foreign capital...

On his last night in Bianzhou City, Lu Zuofu stood at the window of the hotel where he was staying, overlooking the city that was rapidly recovering and building.

The port near the Irrawaddy River in the distance is still brightly lit, and the streets nearby are clean and tidy, with pedestrians walking leisurely.

A clip of Zhang Chi's speech was playing on the radio: "...Nanyang's prosperity is built on the rule of law, efficiency, and the efforts of every law-abiding citizen. We welcome all investors and builders who are committed to building Nanyang and abide by the rules..."

Everything he had seen and heard over the past few days flashed through Lu Zuofu's mind like scenes from a movie: efficient administration, clean governance, improved infrastructure, thriving industry and commerce, and the confident looks on the faces of ordinary people about the future...

All of this formed an extremely glaring yet extremely desirable contrast with the Republic of China, for which he had fought for half his life but felt deeply powerless.

"This... is not the Republic of China." Lu Zuofu whispered to himself, his tone full of complex emotions, but more of a sense of relief and determination as if the clouds had cleared and the sun had appeared.

A few days later, in Yangon, the Ministry of Industry of the United Southeast Asian States building.

In the spacious and bright minister's office, Minister of Industry Zeng Wentao warmly received Lu Zuofu and his party.

The atmosphere of the talks was pragmatic and harmonious.

Zeng Wentao gave a detailed introduction to Nanyang’s shipping needs, port planning, and the government’s desire to introduce advanced management experience and ship technology.

"Mr. Lu, we have long heard of the miracles your Minsheng Company has created in Yangtze River shipping, and we admire them deeply," Zeng Wentao said sincerely. "There are many islands along the coast of Southeast Asia, and the large rivers suitable for shipping in the states of Pegu and Siam are rich in water.

Shipping is undoubtedly our lifeline, and we urgently need shipping companies like Minsheng that have mature experience and efficient management capabilities to join us.

Although Nanhua Shipping is quite large, it focuses on ocean and military transportation and has little experience in organizing inland sea, nearshore and efficient inland waterway transportation.

We very much look forward to collaborating closely with Minsheng to jointly build an efficient transportation network connecting all the states in Southeast Asia."

He produced a preliminary letter of intent for cooperation with generous terms, including priority berths and warehousing discounts at core ports in major cities. He also promised that Minsheng Company could order no fewer than 20 small and medium-sized passenger and cargo ships suitable for inland river transportation in Southeast Asia from the shipbuilding companies under the Nanhua Group within the next three years, and that they would be given priority in production and supply.

At the same time, the Nanyang government will give maximum support to Minsheng Nanyang Branch in terms of taxation, loans, etc., and clearly stated that it welcomes Minsheng Company to operate independently. Nanhua Group will only serve as a strategic partner and important customer and will never interfere with its internal management and equity structure.

Lu Zuofu carefully reviewed the letter of intent, his fingers trembling slightly.

These conditions, this sincerity, and these clear boundaries of cooperation far exceeded his expectations.

How can this be what the White Party members are promoting as "a sheep walking into a tiger's mouth"?

It was clear that Nanyang was opening its arms to the merchants of the Republic of China and seeking common development.

He raised his head, looking into Zeng Wentao's sincere and expectant eyes, and thought back to the vibrant life of Nanyang along the way, and the future Zhang Chi had described on the radio: "electricity and telephones upstairs and downstairs"...

"Minister Zeng." Lu Zuofu took a deep breath, stood up, and solemnly extended his hand. "I see the sincerity of the Nanyang United States. Minsheng Company is also willing to contribute its modest contribution to the development of Nanyang. I agree with this letter of intent in principle. We will finalize the specific details as soon as possible."

The two hands were clasped together.

Behind him, Mr. Zhao from the match factory, Mr. Sun from the flour mill, and others could no longer hold back and surrounded him: "Minister Zeng, look at our match factory..." "Our flour mill also wants to set up a branch in Xingzhou..." "And our machines..."

Zeng Wentao smiled broadly and responded to each one: "Welcome, everyone is welcome. Nanyang's industries are booming and we need your participation. We have someone in the Industry Department who will be responsible for the connection and will arrange it immediately after the meeting."

Outside the window, the sun was blazing and dazzling. Lu Zuofu knew that the second half of his life and his ideal of saving the country through industry would open a new chapter in this hot land of Southeast Asia, far away from his homeland.

This may be the harbor where his ship can truly sail freely and carry his dreams.