Capítulo 1776: Chapter 788: Transformation!_3
“Most are dostic assembly plants, with so exported to Central Arica.”
“Are these car companies using technology from ten years ago or the latest? Can your ho appliances compete with products from Japan and South Korea? Without tariff protection, how many of your factories can survive?”
ndoza’s expression changed slightly and he didn’t respond imdiately.
“Gentlen, I’m not here to deny the importance of traditional industries.”
Bramo’s tone softened a bit, “Oil and manufacturing have been the foundation of xico’s economy in the past, and they still are today. But the foundation cannot remain unchanged forever. The world is changing, technology is advancing. If we don’t invest in the future now, there will be no place for us in the future.”
He walked to the window, pointing in the direction of a distant construction site: “‘Silicon Valley xico’ is not just a park, it’s a signal. It tells the world that xico will not only sell resources and labor, but also technology and creativity. The high-tech enterprises we support will in turn empower traditional industries in the future—smart grids can make electricity distribution more efficient and reduce factory electricity costs; industrial software can optimize production lines and increase manufacturing competitiveness; new materials research can derive higher value products from petroleum.”
Salinas and ndoza remained silent.
They understood the reasoning, but touching interests is harder than touching souls.
“The concerns of both of you have been considered by the governnt.”
Bramo returned to his seat, “Transition requires a process and won’t be one-size-fits-all. The oil industry can participate in new energy developnt, and manufacturing can apply for technology transformation subsidies. But the premise is to move in the right direction.”
He opened the folder and pulled out two docunts: “These are drafts of the ‘Traditional Industry Upgrade Support asures’ being drafted by the Treasury Departnt and the Industrial Departnt. If the oil industry invests in clean energy or new chemical materials, they can enjoy tax deductions; manufacturing that undergoes automation transformation or research investnt can receive low-interest loans.”
“If anyone wants to maintain their old monopoly position through lobbying and obstruction, delaying the country’s transition progress, then I’m sorry, the governnt will not hold back. The leader has said, xico’s future cannot be held in the hands of a few vested interests.”
These words were already spoken very heavily.
Salinas’s smile disappeared, and ndoza’s face beca even grimr.
The atmosphere in the eting room suddenly beca tense.
At this mont, the office door was knocked.
The secretary pushed the door open, looking sowhat flustered: “Mr. Advisor, a few generals have co outside, saying they want to see you. They didn’t make an appointnt, but their attitude is very firm…”
Before the words were finished, three middle-aged n in military uniforms had already walked in.
Leading them was Major General Renato Garsa, the Director of the Departnt of Defense Equipnt Developnt Bureau, this guy…
was one of the warriors who took up arms with Victor in Tijuana.
“Advisor Bramo, sorry for the interruption.” Garsa’s voice was hoarse, his eyes sweeping past Salinas and ndoza, nodding slightly as a greeting, and then directly looking at Bramo, “I heard there’s a major project here; we want to ask why we’re filling that ‘Silicon Valley’ bottomless pit?”
Bramo’s heart sank.
The military people had co, and at such a coincidental ti, right when he was having talks with the business community representatives.
“General Garsa, please have a seat.” Bramo maintained his composure, “Budget adjustnts are coordinated by the Treasury Departnt, you can inquire about the specifics…”
“I am asking you!”
Garsa interrupted him, raising his voice, “Who doesn’t know this ‘Silicon Valley xico’ is managed by you, Bramo? Who doesn’t know you are running back and forth between the Presidential Palace and various departnts every day, seeking funding and policies? The Departnt of Defense’s procurent plan is already approved—new tanks, new planes, new missiles, now your direction research is off-track? The life of front-line soldiers is less important than your computer chips?”
These words were spoken extrely heavily, almost like pointing fingers and cursing.
Salinas and ndoza exchanged a glance, sowhat schadenfreude, you Bramo just ca to manage this industry, there are plenty who don’t like you.
Bramo took a deep breath: “General Garsa, the adjustnt of military budget is based on a reassessnt of the country’s overall strategy. Traditional weapons need updating, but we also need to build capabilities for future warfare. Cyber warfare, electronic warfare, unmanned systems are the decisive forces for the next war. If we don’t invest now, when the enemy uses drone swarms and network attacks to paralyze our command system, no matter how many tanks we have, they will be just a pile of scrap tal.”
“Nonsense!”
Garsa slamd the table, causing the coffee cup on the table to jump, “War relies on courage! On sacrifice! On steel and gunpowder! Can those flashy things of yours stop bullets? Can they take down an enemy position? When I was bleeding on the front line, you were enjoying life in the United States!”
These words were laden with personal attacks.
Bramo’s expression turned cold: “General, please watch your words. If you have opinions on policy, you should reflect them through proper channels rather than slamming tables here.”
“Proper channels?” Garsa sneered, “If proper channels worked, would I co here? I tell you, Bramo, the military does not support this project! Either you let the Treasury Departnt restore the military budget, or—”
“Or what?”
A voice ca from the doorway.
Everyone froze, turning their heads.
Victor was already standing at the door at so point, accompanied by only one guard.
The office fell silent instantly.
Salinas and ndoza imdiately stood up, respectfully bowing their heads: “Leader.”
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