In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 722 Being the first to try something new is far less valuable than offering help in times of need!

Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran couldn't help but ponder.

His manufacturing businesses include Landsea Group's Longway Group, which mainly produces fast-moving consumer goods brands, Wan Tsing Group's building materials business, and Fortress Electric Company, a home appliance brand under HK Electric Group.

That's basically all for now.

Hongkong Telephone Company, a subsidiary of Hongkong Land, successfully entered the field of mobile phone equipment manufacturing through its cooperation with Motorola.

However, this key technology is currently controlled by Motorola, while Hong Kong Telephone Company is mainly responsible for assembly and marketing.

There's no need for brothers to compete with each other.

Therefore, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector and the home appliance sector can be excluded.

Lin Haoran crossed his legs, his gaze sweeping over the rapidly passing seascape outside the porthole. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Wanqing does need a new growth engine, but it cannot afford to waste resources on its own brothers."

For fast-moving consumer goods, there's Langwei; for home appliances, there's Fortress; and for mobile communications, there's Hong Kong Telephone. These are the core businesses of Hongkong Land Group and HK Electric Group. Our Wanqing Group aims to carve out our own unique and more strategically significant track.

I believe the future of Wanqing's manufacturing industry should focus on two directions: first, high-end, green new building materials; and second, precision manufacturing and basic industrial components.

"High-end, green new building materials?" Burton repeated thoughtfully.

“That’s right.” Lin Haoran nodded affirmatively. “This is a natural extension of our existing advantages, but to go deeper and refine our work, we can’t just be satisfied with producing ordinary cement and tiles. We need to research and produce high-value-added specialty building materials.”

He elaborated: "For example, high-performance marine cement is used in major projects such as ports and cross-sea bridges; energy-saving and environmentally friendly building insulation materials and heat-insulating glass; and even new composite materials that can be used in future smart buildings."

Infrastructure development in Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Japan, and other places is booming, but the requirements for the performance and environmental protection of building materials will become increasingly stringent. We aim to be a 'technology benchmark' and 'solution provider' in the building materials industry, rather than simply a material supplier.

This will not only increase profits, but also solidify the high-end image and technological leadership of our 'Qingzhou Yingni' brand.

Ma Shimin nodded in agreement: "Boss, this is a good idea. It leverages the core strengths of Wanqing and upgrades them, rather than starting from scratch. Mr. Burton could put more effort into this direction."

"And what about the second direction, precision manufacturing and industrial basic components?" Burton pressed, filled with curiosity about this relatively unfamiliar field.

Lin Haoran smiled slightly and continued, "For this second direction, we need to take a longer-term view and step out of our current comfort zone. Precision manufacturing and basic industrial components may not sound as glamorous as consumer goods, but they are the 'skeleton' and 'nerves' of the industrial system."

Hong Kong, and indeed East Asia as a whole, is becoming a global manufacturing hub. However, many critical core components—from small items like high-performance bearings and precision molds to large components of CNC machine tools and precision transmission devices on automated production lines—rely heavily on imports from Japan and Germany. This not only results in high costs but also makes the supply chain vulnerable to bottlenecks.

Hong Kong today is not like Hong Kong decades from now.

In Hong Kong during that era, industry was the core economic component. According to data released by the Hong Kong government last year, in 1980, manufacturing accounted for 23.8% of Hong Kong's GDP, ranking first among Hong Kong's economic components!

In the electronics industry, for example, Hong Kong had as many as 1316 electronics factories last year, with an export value of HK$134.17 billion.

Furthermore, the output value of the garment industry even surpasses that of the electronics industry.

In Hong Kong's manufacturing system last year, in addition to the two core industries of electronics and clothing, the other four pillar industries were plastics, watches, toys, and textiles (related to clothing but forming an independent chain).

Together, they form the core framework of Hong Kong's "export-oriented industries," making significant contributions to Hong Kong's economic growth, employment, and export trade.

However, most of these manufacturing industries are actually labor-intensive industries with low technological content, and their core technologies and key components are controlled by others.

"Most of our electronics factories are assembly plants, with chips coming from Japan and the United States; our watch movements rely on Switzerland or Japan; and the precision molds for the toy and plastics industries also need to be imported."

This is like a person who is physically strong, but whose heart and brain (core technology) depend on others for supplies; ultimately, they will find it difficult to be truly strong, let alone control their own destiny.

"You mean we want to enter this field and fill the gap?" Burton's eyes lit up; he sensed a huge business opportunity and strategic value.

“Exactly!” Lin Haoran said decisively. “This requires huge investment and long-term patience, but once successful, we will have irreplaceable influence. We can start developing in cooperation with our sister companies, such as Fengze Electric Appliances and Langwei Group, and gradually expand outwards.”

Hong Kong has ample human resources, and even if there is a lack of core talent, we can recruit them from Japan, the United States, and other places, making it the best location for us to establish a research and development center.

The Pearl River Delta region, with its abundant ordinary human resources and inexpensive land, is the perfect place for us to set up factories. What we aim to do is not low-end assembly, but high-precision manufacturing that truly masters core technologies.

He outlined his vision: "Imagine that in the future, Wanqing Group will not only be able to provide top-quality cement for building skyscrapers, but also precision guide rails for elevators, high-efficiency compressor cores for air conditioning systems, and even key components for automobiles. This is the scale that a true manufacturing giant should have."

Ma Shimin couldn't help but exclaim, "Boss, your vision is always so far ahead. These two directions, one to deepen the foundation and the other to explore the future, complement each other. Once successful, Wanqing Group will not only be a building materials giant in Hong Kong, but will also become an important player in the industrial field of Asia and even the world."

Burton felt exhilarated; his previous regrets vanished, replaced by a clear strategic goal and a strong sense of mission.

He said excitedly, "I understand, boss! When I get back, I will immediately organize the team to conduct detailed market research and feasibility analysis, and formulate a detailed entry plan!"

"I can offer some assistance on this point. You can look around in Europe, America, or Japan for technologically advanced but not valued by local governments or struggling small and medium-sized precision manufacturing enterprises and laboratories."

At that time, I can have Huanyu Investment Company directly acquire the technology, patents, and even mature technical teams by using capital to buy time.

"This is the fastest way to make up for our technological shortcomings and enter the market from a high starting point," Lin Haoran said with a smile.

Developing from scratch is too slow and unnecessary.

However, while Lin Haoran could be a shareholder in top precision instrument giants like Edmond Precision Measuring Instruments, Taylor Hopson Kuroda Seiko, and top chip companies like Texas Instruments and Intel, the local government would never give him the opportunity to acquire them.

This is a very real problem.

The group chatted as they sailed along, paying little attention to the islands rushing past the ship's windows or the gradually emerging outline of Shekou in the distance, completely absorbed in this grand yet detailed strategic plan.

“Boss, your strategy is extremely accurate.” Ma Shimin pondered, “In addition to acquisition, we can also consider establishing joint ventures with these Western small and medium-sized enterprises that have core technologies, with us holding a controlling stake, and placing the main production and subsequent R&D bases in Shenzhen and Hong Kong.”

This approach avoids some political sensitivities while effectively transferring technology, talent, and production lines. We can provide them with much-needed market access and funding, while they contribute technology and know-how—it's a win-win situation.

"This is a good idea, and we can proceed simultaneously," Lin Haoran praised. "Joint ventures, acquisitions, technological cooperation, and talent introduction—we should take a multi-pronged approach. Mr. Burton, your team needs to have an international perspective, and more importantly, they need to be humble and take the initiative to reach out and negotiate."

Don't be afraid of difficulties. Problems that can be solved with money and technology are not fundamental problems.

What they have in abundance now is money!
Burton nodded emphatically, taking Ma Shimin's advice to heart.

He felt as if a door to a new world had been opened for him. His mindset, which was originally limited to the Hong Kong building materials market, real estate industry, and bus industry, was completely overturned. What was presented to him was a magnificent global stage for technological competition.

Just then, the hydrofoil's speed noticeably decreased, and the engine's roar subsided.

Looking through the porthole, the outline of Shekou Passenger Terminal is already clearly visible.

The brand-new dock facilities, fluttering flags, and the faintly visible welcoming crowd on the dock signified that they had arrived at their destination.

Lin Haoran walked to the side of the boat and looked towards the dock.

In later years, he worked in Shenzhen for many years and became extremely familiar with the city.

Back then, Shenzhen was a world-class city, with towering skyscrapers and lush greenery.

Today, in 1981, Shenzhen was just a land that had just begun to awaken.

Looking around, there are no skyscrapers, no bustling traffic, but rather low-rise factories, busy construction sites, and lush green fields in the distance.

The air was filled with the scent of earth, the saltiness of the sea breeze, and an indescribable, vibrant enthusiasm for construction.

This huge contrast in time and space evoked a strange feeling in Lin Haoran.

What he witnessed was the beginning of a tremendous era of change, and he was standing at that starting point, about to participate in it, and even influence its course to some extent.

Shekou Port was built in a rather rudimentary way; it was completely empty, with not even a single large ship in sight.

Lin Haoran composed himself, straightened his clothes, and put on a calm and confident smile before stepping off the ship first.

Ma Shimin, Burton, and others followed closely behind.

At the dock, a welcoming team led by the Secretary-General of the Pengcheng Municipal Government immediately greeted them warmly.

The two sides shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

"Mr. Lin, you must be tired from your journey! On behalf of the Pengcheng Municipal Party Committee and Government, I warmly welcome you and all the entrepreneurs to visit and provide guidance!" The Secretary-General shook Lin Haoran's hand vigorously, his tone sincere and enthusiastic.

He knew that the young Hong Kong tycoon in front of him was the businessman who had invested the most in Shenzhen in recent years and whose projects were the most substantial, without exception!

He is a true "god of wealth" and a "pragmatist".

It was only 1981, and the reform and opening up was still in its early stages. Although, thanks to Lin Haoran's influence, many Hong Kong business tycoons had already invested in the Pearl River Delta earlier than Lin Haoran had in his previous life, they were all quite cautious with their investments, fearing that their funds would be wasted.

Therefore, it is not an exaggeration to say that Lin Haoran is the largest foreign investor in Shenzhen, and even in the entire mainland.

Moreover, they sought help from Lin Haoran last year because the Pearl River Delta region had just begun its reform and opening up and needed a large amount of manufacturing.

Unexpectedly, Lin Haoran not only readily agreed, but also promoted the establishment of the "Wanqing-Shekou Manufacturing Industrial Park" with astonishing speed and boldness, attracting eighteen well-known fast-moving consumer goods brands under the Langwei Group to settle in, directly bringing tens of thousands of jobs and an estimated export value of hundreds of millions of US dollars.

This is undoubtedly a timely help for the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone in its early stages, and its significance is extraordinary.

"Secretary-General, you're too kind. We're the ones who have bothered you. Seeing the rapid changes in Shekou, especially this brand-new port, we are very excited and full of anticipation. The efficiency and pragmatic style of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone have left a deep impression on us investors and give us confidence in future cooperation." Lin Haoran responded with a smile, his demeanor impeccable and his presence commanding.

Yang Mingyi, the mainland head of Wanqing Group, has also arrived here with his company.

This former general manager of Wan'an Group was sent to the mainland by Lin Haoran after he merged Wan'an Group with Qingzhou Yingni Company to form Wanqing Group. More than two years have passed since then.

Over the past two years, Yang Mingyi has not let down his boss, Lin Haoran. Lin Haoran has seen the Wanqing Group's expansion in mainland China and is very satisfied.

Although he hadn't seen Yang Mingyi for a long time, he could still see the 93 on Yang Mingyi's head.

With such loyalty, what could he possibly worry about?
After a simple welcoming ceremony, everyone boarded the waiting motorcade.

The motorcade did not go directly to the hotel, but instead, accompanied by the Secretary-General, first made a detour to visit the Shekou Industrial Zone, which is currently under construction.

This Shekou Industrial Zone is not the industrial zone under the Wanqing Group, but was established by the Pengcheng government itself.

The Wanqing Shekou Industrial Zone, owned by the Wanqing Group, is located next to this industrial park.

Through the car window, Burton and Simon Murray saw the true face of this land more directly:

The wide "road" is actually only the basic roadbed has been laid, but its scale is already apparent;

On the leveled land, factory buildings are rising from the ground;

Everywhere you look, there are signs with slogans that are very characteristic of the times, such as "Time is money, efficiency is life";
Workers rode bicycles through the area, their faces beaming with enthusiasm.

All of this is filled with a raw and vigorous vitality.

“Secretary-General, we will make our own arrangements for tonight. There is no need for you to go out of your way to entertain us. You have already made very thoughtful arrangements, and we are very grateful. See you at the opening ceremony tomorrow.” After inspecting the government-arranged reception team for about an hour, Lin Haoran suggested that they go back as evening approached.

Wanqing Group has been operating in Shenzhen for more than two years, and its hotels, restaurants, transportation, offices and other businesses have long been self-sufficient, eliminating the need for the local government to make detailed arrangements.

Seeing that Lin Haoran was resolute and looked slightly tired, the secretary-general stopped insisting.

The instructions above state that this person is a god of wealth, so you must serve him properly and try your best to meet his needs, so as not to leave a bad impression.

So he quickly smiled and said, "Okay, okay, Mr. Lin and all the gentlemen have had a long journey and certainly need to rest. We won't bother you any longer. The hotel has made arrangements. If you need anything, please contact the reception staff. They are on duty 24 hours a day."

Have a good night's rest, everyone. See you at the ceremony tomorrow!

After the two sides shook hands amicably once again, the reception staff from Shenzhen left first.

Lin Haoran then said to Yang Mingyi, "Mr. Yang, please take us to see the park."

“Okay, boss, everyone, please follow me, the car is ready.” Yang Mingyi replied immediately and gestured for them to proceed.

He had clearly anticipated that his boss might want to check out his "territory" first.

The group boarded a vehicle prepared by the mainland company of Wanqing Group and drove towards the "Wanqing-Shekou Manufacturing Industrial Park" not far away.

A few minutes later, the convoy entered the park.

Compared to the bustling activity in the large industrial parks outside, Wanqing's own park appears more orderly and quiet, but it also exudes a sense of pent-up energy.

The main buildings of the first phase of the project, including standard factory buildings, warehouses, office buildings, and employee dormitories, have all been completed. The factory roads are level, and landscaping is also underway.

Lights were already shining from some of the factory buildings, indicating that workers were making final preparations for equipment installation and debugging.

"Boss, this first phase occupies about one-third of the entire park. It's the factory for the fast-moving consumer goods brands under the Langwei Group. The production lines of 18 companies, including Red Bull, Heineken, and Lee Kum Kee, are undergoing final adjustments and will officially start production after the ceremony tomorrow."

Phases two and three are already under construction. Phase two is expected to be completed in November this year, and phase three in February next year. Yang Mingyi introduced the details skillfully, as if reciting a familiar story.

Lin Haoran walked and looked around, nodding from time to time.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of the project.

The last time he came here, this place was just an empty lot.

In just two years, a modern industrial park has sprung up, a testament to the power of time and efficiency.

"How are the employee recruitment and training going?" Lin Haoran asked, as this was a question he was very concerned about.

Even the best factories and equipment still need people to operate and manage them.

In particular, production will officially begin here tomorrow.

Successful production here will significantly reduce Langwei Group's costs, which will increase the profit margins of its sales channels such as 711-Eleven and Wellcome supermarkets.

The person who answered Lin Haoran's question was a senior executive of Hongkong Land Group, who is now in charge of the mainland operations of its subsidiary, Langwei Group.

“Local recruitment went very smoothly. There is a sufficient workforce and the employees are very motivated. In particular, with the assistance of the government, it did not take much time. Most of the ordinary positions have completed training, and the management and technical staff are mainly dispatched from Hong Kong.”

At the same time, we have recruited and trained some promising young people from relevant universities and state-owned enterprises in mainland China. This is a requirement of the government, and we try our best to meet their needs.

In terms of living facilities, the canteen, dormitories, medical clinic, and convenience store are all in operation and can basically meet current needs.

"Very good," Lin Haoran praised. "We must ensure the basic living conditions of our employees so that they can work with peace of mind. Our investment is not just about building factories and buying equipment, but more importantly, about people."

By the way, security must be top-notch. This will soon be a large industrial park housing tens of thousands, or even over a hundred thousand people. There can be no lapses in security measures!

"Don't worry, boss. The security team is led by core personnel we brought from Hong Kong. They have strict procedures and patrol 24 hours a day to ensure everything is foolproof. In addition, a police checkpoint will be stationed near the park in Shenzhen to fully guarantee the park's safety and order," Yang Mingyi added from the side, clearly indicating that arrangements and communication had been made in advance.

As night falls, the streetlights in the park light up one by one, outlining the factory buildings and roads.

In the distance, the sound of pile driving at the second-phase construction site has stopped, but the construction boom surging beneath that land can still be felt.

Standing on the open space in the center of the park, Lin Haoran looked around at the modern industrial park that was beginning to take shape and said to Burton, Ma Shimin and Yang Mingyi beside him: "This is the starting point for our mainland layout. Many business tycoons in Hong Kong are now hesitant to invest in the Pearl River Delta, fearing that if the policies change, their funds will be wasted."

His voice sounded particularly steady in the twilight as he continued, "But we, if we're going to do it, we'll be the first to try something new, and we'll do it well, setting an example!"

Lin Haoran has never worried about investing in mainland China.

Investing at this time may seem risky, but only Lin Haoran knows that it's actually very safe.

Ma Shimin, Burton, Yang Mingyi and others nodded emphatically.

Previously, when deciding to invest in mainland China, Lin Haoran would discuss the prospects of the mainland with them.

Therefore, they also deeply understood the deeper strategic intentions behind the boss's move.

If successful, the status of Lin Haoran's companies in mainland China, such as Wanqing Group, Hongkong Land Group, and Hong Kong Electric Group, will be unmatched, and all subsequent plans will receive unimaginable convenience and support.

After all, in many cases, adding flowers to brocade is far less valuable than providing charcoal in the snow!

Now is the best time to offer timely assistance.

The mainland's reform and opening up has just begun, and all industries are waiting to be developed. What it needs most are real investments and projects that can bring employment and tax revenue, such as those from Hongkong Land Group, Wanqing Group, and Hong Kong Electric Group, rather than empty promises and wait-and-see attitudes.

Investing heavily in building such a large-scale industrial park at this time, creating jobs for tens of thousands of people, brings not only economic benefits, but also strong support and confidence in the mainland's reform and opening-up policy.

This friendship and contribution are far more valuable than the icing on the cake when countless people flock to the market after it matures, and they are more likely to earn trust and respect.

(End of this chapter)