Chapter 1074

Chapter 1074

After the pragmatic chat, the meeting room began to talk about practical things.

It was still Zellman who started the topic first.

"BOSS, and everyone, the countries in the world that are currently privatizing water services include the United States, France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latin America, the United Kingdom, and China.

Although the idea of ​​water privatization was born in Washington, the United States has very strict control over tap water. Foreign capital is not allowed to control water plants, and it is not easy for domestic capital to intervene. In fact, all water plants in the United States are directly controlled by the military. Management, outsiders who want to visit need to be approved by the Ministry of Defense.

The situation in France is slightly better than that in the United States, but the control is also very strict. In November last year, Pingtou Company wanted to find a water collection point in France, but was obstructed by the French government. Not only did the water supply industry in France not allow foreign companies to control it, but Bottled water is also not acceptable. In the end, Pingtou obtained the water harvesting license through cooperation with Sophie Holdings.

There are strong voices against the privatization of water services in Italy, and it is not suitable to enter for the time being; the privatization speed of the Czech Republic and Hungary is relatively slow, and we can send personnel to do public relations work.

Since the 1980s, Latin American countries have been plagued by a long-term middle-income trap and are generally poor. There is no money in the treasury to invest in and improve water conservancy facilities, and about 130 million people in various countries do not have access to safe drinking water.

In order to raise money and solve the problem of drinking water, they chose the simplest and rude way, selling water resources, and whoever has the money can do it.

Municipal facilities for urban water resources are already being privatized. The government allows private water companies to participate in the sale of water and the construction of water purification facilities, and supports private water companies through legislation, allowing monopoly management of natural water resources and surrounding land and organisms.

Mexican law stipulates that companies engaged in water affairs or with a large demand for water resources can seek private rights to the water territories of rivers and lakes and the entire biological zone; and transfer the operation, use and contracting rights of dams and river channels on water resources to large companies .

In 1981, Chile promulgated the "Water Code", allowing water rights to be auctioned, which can also be used as mortgages or guarantees. As of 1991, there have been 275 water rights transactions in the north-central region of Chile, and these transactions are still flourishing today. "

The situation in Chile is not necessary. Zelmando said that if Chile had not promulgated the "Water Code", Scarlett Mining Group would have no way to deploy lithium mines in Chile.

"Latin American governments and academic circles believe that clearly marking the price of water resources and transferring them to large foreign companies with higher technological level and more advanced management can promote investment and development of water resources and reduce waste caused by lack of technology.

They firmly believed that the entry of private enterprises into public services would prevent corruption and operate more efficiently.

This is good news for us. Compared with the weak local capital, our financial strength will be stronger and we can easily win the competition. "

Brittany, a representative of the strategy group, said: "Please wait a moment, the privatization of water resources in Latin American countries is relatively thorough. We know this, and other capitals deeply immersed in water affairs also know it, such as Mexico, General Water, Suez, etc. Thames and Thames have developed there, from small bottled water to large industrial water, they all have their shadows.

In addition, multinational companies such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Energy and Nestle are also involved in controlling the bottled water market in Latin America. These companies and their subsidiaries obtain raw water at a very low cost, and can also obtain local subsidies with their own signs.

In order to increase intimacy with the government and maintain a monopoly position for a long time, these capitals took advantage of the Latin American economic crisis and promised to help these countries get more international loans and debt relief.

In the foreseeable future, these capitals will use their international financial influence to coerce Latin American countries to open up more domestic water resource markets, otherwise they will cut off their international loans.

Under such coercion and temptation, many Latin American countries will succumb, give up more water rights, and may even give up regulatory rights, allowing multinational water companies to use water resources, perhaps without paying any water fees, even the initial property rights may be free .

What I imagined is likely to become a reality. These capitals, like our Nanshi, do not lack public relations capabilities. Latin American government officials are relatively easy to public relations. "

Brittany showed a sarcasm, "At the same time, they are also greedy. The capital entering Latin America must have one or more long-term huge expenditures in addition to the normal expenditures for water operations.

The combination of capital and power has turned the pursuit of profit into extreme greed. After the initial efficient and transparent development of water resources, the water companies entering Latin America will eventually show their sharp minions in the public domain. What will happen?

The price of water is soaring; in order to save costs and obtain high profits, a large amount of untreated sewage is allowed to infiltrate into the underground aquifer, causing permanent pollution; the limit of groundwater development will increase the pollution, and the groundwater level will drop. If the situation is worse, there may be urban The sinking trend..."

"Brittany, do you mean that the capital entering Latin America will carry out predatory expansion there?" Nan Yi asked.

Brittany nodded, "Yes, extreme freedom will condone extreme greed. Water service contracts have a limited number of years. I believe that the three major water service companies have never thought of getting a chance to renew their contracts in Latin America. All they have to do is to In the limited time, get as much profit as possible.

The profits won't stay in Latin America, and they won't go to improve the local water supply network, they will use these profits to distribute high dividends and executive compensation, and use them for global expansion.

The water situation in Latin America will fall into erosion in a short period of time, and the anger of the people will be detonated. Protests against foreign capital's monopoly of local water services will continue one after another. range of protests.

When protests emerge, certain political forces in Latin America will take the opportunity to oppose neoliberalism, reduce social injustice, end the monopoly of water rights, and take back water rights from transnational capital. Taking this opportunity, they will reach the highest stage. "

Nan Yi: "OK, we will discuss your idea later, Zellman, you continue."

Zellman nodded, and continued according to the previous train of thought, "Compared with Latin America, the control of the UK will be stricter, but there is a lot of room for investment. I suggest Danshui Investment to take a stake in Thames Water Company to acquire London and surrounding areas. Tap water supply has a certain right to speak.

While introducing foreign capital, Huaguo also wants to introduce advanced foreign management experience. Danshui Group does not have any production management experience in the field of tap water, and has no advantage in competing with other water companies. I suggest first investing in a large water company before entering China. "

After Zelman finished speaking, Vikram Pandit said: "I think we can add India. From the 1980s, in order to expand production, India began to introduce pesticides and fertilizers. After the 1990s, it began to Introducing hybrids..."

After Pandit glanced over Nanyi's face, he continued: "In particular, the pesticides and fertilizers of the Shiva Group, as well as the Mumbai Star cotton seeds have occupied most of the market in India. In the past, farmers used to use them from the previous year. The harvested crops are selected and the seeds are kept, and most of the seeds are now purchased from seed companies.

As the international prices of cotton and other crops have shown a downward trend in recent years, India, which seeks to expand agricultural exports, has criticized the agricultural protection policies of developed countries and strongly demanded the liberalization of agricultural trade.

In last year's Uruguay Round negotiations, relevant countries reached an agreement on the abolition of agricultural protection policies by developed countries. This agreement is theoretically beneficial to India. Therefore, New Delhi wants to learn from Western countries and turn agriculture into industrial agriculture dominated by large enterprises.

The reason for doing so is not only driven by domestic capital in India, but also objective needs.

In recent decades, water scarcity in India has become increasingly severe, both in urban and rural areas. The water provided by the government cannot meet the rapidly rising demand. Population expansion and industrial expansion require more water every day.

In cities, not only are water shortages occurring in slums in hundreds of cities across the country, but also in middle-class urban housing estates where water supply is often unstable.

In rural areas, the basic agricultural irrigation in many areas cannot be satisfied. This is due to the fact that water resources are controlled by landlords, but also due to poor infrastructure and lack of water storage dams.

In addition, India's water resources management methods are relatively backward, and it cannot use sewers and wastewater recycling methods like other countries, because India does not have factories for wastewater treatment.

Water supply and sewage treatment are both urgently needed in India. If fresh water investment enters India, I believe it will be very popular. "

Nan Yi waved his hand and said: "Vikram, you know, I have been in India for a long time, whether it is a rich and high-caste residential area, or a civilian residential area, or a slum or a village, I There have been field trips.

A series of cruxes in India. As a foreigner, I understand it better than you, a native who grew up in a wealthy family, one of the vested interests of the Indian system, and has lived abroad for a long time after growing up.

As long as the Indian government does not effectively solve or suppress the phenomenon of slum dwellers stealing electricity, it is not advisable to enter the field of people's livelihood in India. If the water pipes are continuously dug, the losses to be faced will definitely exceed electricity.

Moreover, as a private company, I can't imagine how to bury the water pipes in a straight line in some of the more developed areas of India, such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, etc.

In addition, I am actually not optimistic about the privatization of water services in India. I just want to force it. Tell me, how much will the waterworks in the future have to pay to settle the dozens or even hundreds of trade unions that keep popping up to make trouble? "

No humbly apology and generous and tolerant scenes occurred. The reason why the seminar is called a seminar is to give everyone the opportunity to speak freely, regardless of superiors and subordinates. Even Nanyi does not have the privilege of making a decision with one word. Different opinions can be debated and collided. , blushing, or even swearing is fine, as long as you don't perform full martial arts.

The meeting lasted for about two hours, and a rough result was discussed—the collective agreed to invest in the UK, and Danshui Investment came up with an investment plan as soon as possible; France, Hungary, and the Czech Republic first investigate and wait and see, and then send people if there is an investment opportunity Conduct public relations; Latin America will not enter in principle, but it will seek opportunities to invest in the three major water companies.

At the same time, Danshui Group will establish a business line for the construction of reservoirs and hydropower stations. The next step is to step into the field of agricultural irrigation and take into account the field of power generation.

...

The night is dark and the lights are on.

In front of the Emerald Restaurant on Nathan Road, a car stopped slowly, a man and a woman got out of the car, the doorman standing at the door found that the woman in it looked familiar, he was slightly startled, and then opened the glass door, Watching the two enter the restaurant.

"Why do you suddenly think of running so far to eat?" Nan Yi turned to look at Ruan Mei, and went to the reserved seat under the guidance of a waiter.

Ruan Mei held Nanyi's arm, tiptoed slightly and whispered in his ear, "I came here once with someone else, and I really like the smell here."

Nanyi stopped and patted Ruan Mei's face with a smile, "Do you want to poach the chef away?"

Ruan Mei looked at Nan Yi with bright eyes, her beautiful eyes were breathtaking.

She was wearing a light-colored lace double-breasted suspender dress today, with her breasts pushed up high. From Nan Yi's perspective, she could just see that he had a bad night today.

Nanyi cursed "fox spirit" in his heart, looked away, and continued to walk forward.

When they got to their seats, they sat down separately. When Ruan Mei asked the waiter to order, Nan Yi turned to look out the window.

A little further past Nathan Road is Yau Ma Tei. In Hong Kong movies, this place is often mentioned. In the past, this area has always been a gathering place for associations, and it is also a see-saw zone where various factions compete for territory.

In the 1960s, a large number of refugees entered Hong Kong from the mainland. It was impossible for them to directly integrate into the mainstream society of Hong Kong like those rich and powerful people. The arrival of people has made the composition of the residents in this area more complicated, and the competition for survival has become more severe.

With the rapid economic development, Nathan Road and Yau Ma Tei became prosperous and became the central area of ​​Kowloon. However, relatively speaking, compared with the opposite Hong Kong Island, this area is still the residence of the grassroots class.

Now many people in Hong Kong refer to Yau Ma Tei, but they still use the word complicated to describe it.

However, many film and television stars have gone out from this area, and their deeds have become inspirational role models for young people stranded in this area.

Ruan Mei finished ordering, handed the menu back to the waiter, and looked at Nanyi who was looking at the scenery, "Are you leaving tomorrow?"

Nanyi said without looking back: "If there is no accident, I should pass the customs the morning after tomorrow. I will stay in Shenfeng for two or three days. If you want, you can go there with me."

"Okay, I'm not busy these days."

Nan Yi turned his face back and was about to speak when he saw a little sister coming over with a plate.

"Sir, miss, your dishes."

Nanyi's eyes stayed on the little sister's face for a while, and quickly figured out her name, even the names of her future husband and lover, but unfortunately, after calculating the names of the fathers of the two children, he did not figure out the third one. Who is the father of the child.

This different acquaintance made Nanyi a little interested.

"Little girl, what's your name?"

The little sister raised her head and took a serious look at Nan Yi. After realizing that she didn't recognize her, she turned her gaze to Ruan Mei again, and then her eyes opened wide.

"Who are you……"

Nanyi made a silent movement, the little sister hurriedly covered her mouth, and swallowed the word "Ruan Mei" in her mouth.

Ruan Mei has acted in TV dramas, released songs, and often communicates with celebrities. It is not well-known in Hong Kong, but there are still many people who know her. This is why Nanyi does not often go to the streets with Ruan Mei. s reason.

Nan Yi pointed to Ruan Mei, "Why, do you know her?"

The little sister looked at Nanyi, then at Ruan Mei, and nodded.

"You know her, but we don't know you. It's a shame." Nan Yi smiled lightly.

Only then did the little sister realize that she hadn't answered Nanyi's first question, and she quickly replied, "Sir, Miss Ruan, my name is Zhang Baizhi!"

The voice was crisp and lively, and there was no tension in his tone. Nan Yi sniffed the faint smell of smoke in the air, and knew that although the other party was young, he was an old man.

"Oh, Zhang Baizhi, not a bad name."

Zhang Baizhi was about to answer, but saw the head waiter of the restaurant walking over.

"I'm sorry, sir, miss, our waiters are ignorant, and I'm sorry for disturbing you for so long!" Did you come to chat with the guests?"

Although Zhang Baizhi expressed disdain for the foreman's words, he still lowered his head and left obediently.

Ruan Mei looked at Zhang Baizhi's pitiful appearance, and couldn't help thinking of her past. When she was this old, she was working part-time as a piano teacher to make money for the family. With a stable income, her part-time career was not so easy, and her sympathy was a little flooded for a while.

"She is so young, how can you let her work?"

The foreman explained: "Miss, you misunderstood. We didn't ask her to come here, but she applied for it on her own initiative. If she didn't feel sorry for her, the boss would not agree."

Ruan Mei took out a hundred-dollar Hong Kong dollar from her wallet and handed it to the foreman, "We took the initiative to talk to her just now, please don't make things difficult for her."

The foreman accepted the tip and agreed.

At this moment, a middle-aged man brought a young man into the dining room, ran straight to Zhang Baizhi who was going to the kitchen, stopped him, grabbed Zhang Baizhi's arm, and asked loudly: "Where is the bearded brave man, take us to see him right away!" he."

"Don't ask me, I don't know."

Zhang Baizhi desperately wanted to break free from the opponent's restraint, but he didn't have enough strength to break free no matter what.

This farce attracted the attention of all the guests in the restaurant, and many of them already frowned. Seeing that something was wrong, the head waiter rushed over in a hurry.

"Gentlemen, have you found the wrong place?"

The middle-aged man saw a nosy person appear, grabbed the foreman by the collar, and said viciously: "It's none of your business to ask for debts, just get out of the way."

Hearing the words, the foreman saw a tattoo from the open collar of the other party, and immediately felt a headache, but he did not give up persuading, "Sir, please calm down, or we will call 999."

"Scare me with the policeman?" The middle-aged man's eyes flickered fiercely, and he threatened: "If you want the restaurant to be smashed and someone to hack you when you go out, just call the police."

When the foreman heard that the other party not only didn't frighten her, but threatened her one step closer, his face immediately turned pale, knowing that the other party was not a young man, he quickly softened his mouth and explained: "We don't have Hu Xuyong here."

The middle-aged man let go of the foreman's collar, pushed him away, and tugged Zhang Baizhi who was restrained with the other hand, "Listen, Hu Xuyong is her old bean. If he doesn't show up today, I'll take him out." Send my daughter to the stable to pick up customers, and then send her to make porn until the debt is paid off."

Zhang Baizhi struggled desperately while crying, "Let go of me, I really don't know where Laodou is, I haven't seen him for a week!"

The middle-aged man was unmoved, dragged Zhang Baizhi and was about to go out, cursing and saying: "Shut up, if you don't see Hu Xuyong today, you must go to Ma Lan."

The guests in the restaurant were all talking in low voices, there were quite a few people who sympathized with Zhang Baizhi, but none of them were willing to stand out.

Ruan Mei couldn't stand it anymore, she whispered to Nan Yi, "Should we help her?"

Nanyi withdrew his gaze from watching the play, "This one is a young lady, and there is an old man who owes usury, do you really want to help?"

Ruan Mei nodded seriously.

"All right."

Nan Yi raised his left hand, and the tiger cub at the table behind him saw this, and immediately walked up to Nan Yi and bent down.

"Try mentioning Gui Ligao's name."

"clear."

The tiger cub nodded, and walked over to the middle-aged man. His pace was slow and unhurried. It wasn't until the three middle-aged men walked out of the restaurant that he quickened his pace and stopped him outside the restaurant, "Talk a few words. "

The middle-aged man glanced at the tiger cub and said arrogantly: "If you don't know Hu Xuyong, get out of here."

The tiger cub was not annoyed by the other party's attitude, but asked calmly, "Are you Gui Ligao's subordinate?"

Hearing the word "Gui Li Gao", the middle-aged man was only slightly taken aback, and then said arrogantly: "Use Gui Li Gao to scare me? You let him come by himself and see if I kill him or not."

As soon as the tiger cub heard it, he knew that the other party had nothing to do with Gui Ligao. If he couldn't pick someone up, he would be more elegant. He unbuttoned his suit in a hurry, opened his skirt, and exposed the gun holster on his left armpit. "If you don't give Guili Gao face, will you give it face?"

"Here, I admit it."

The middle-aged man withdrew his dilated pupils, let go of Zhang Baizhi's hand, and led the young man away in a bachelor's way.

At the beginning, the pace was not fast, but after walking three or four meters, it was like stepping on a hot wheel, and with a whoosh, the two people left two afterimages, turned into the side road and disappeared.

Seeing the two disappear, the tiger cub buttoned up his suit, nodded to Zhang Baizhi, and then turned to leave, leaving Zhang Baizhi still in shock and confused.

In the restaurant, Nan Yi withdrew his gaze, turned to Ruan Mei and said, "It's done."

"Thank you, boy, I know you don't like to be nosy."

"Hehe, what you said is that you have sympathy, I don't." Nanyi smiled and shook his head, "It's not that I don't like to meddle in business, but I don't like to meddle in usury. Usury may not be legal, but most The time is right, there are a few usury borrowers who don't know the interest rate, are not afraid of death when they borrow, and pretend to be innocent when they don't pay, such people are not worthy of sympathy."

"It's not that she borrowed it. If you want to blame, you can only blame that beard Yong."

"Okay, the dishes are getting cold, let's eat."