The Birth of the Hong Kong Island Family.

Chapter 256 [Relationship Network]

Lin Zhichao did not expect that Hu Xiaoqing would refuse the cooperation. Although he expressed it euphemistically - he was worried that Sony would trouble him and it was inconvenient to establish his own radio brand at this time, but Lin Zhichao understood that Hu Xiaoqing might be worried that Changjiang Industry would annex him in the future shares.

"Since others don't cooperate, let's make it ourselves! Radios, electric fans, desk lamps, start with low-level electrical appliances, and in the future we will also produce large electrical appliances such as TV sets." Lin Zhichao said to Wang Liang.

In the previous life, Hong Kong’s electronics industry reached an export value of tens of billions in the early 80s; Hong Kong’s exports of electronic products were no longer limited to radios, electric fans, foundry transistors, but also color TV game consoles, color TV sets, TV parts and Computer parts saw substantial growth.At that time, televisions, radios, record players and electronic watches in the US market were basically saturated, while VCRs, large-screen projection TVs, and advanced record players were still in great demand.As a result, the Hong Kong electronics industry successively introduced American and Japanese technology and equipment in the Tai Po Industrial Estate, and built three factories for the production of integrated circuits, Xinghua, Aika, and Huake.

By 1989, there were 2009 electronic production plants in Hong Kong, and the export value reached HK$558.18 billion, accounting for 25% of Hong Kong's industrial product export value.It also began to be dissatisfied with the simple manufacture of radios, tape recorders, electronic watches, calculators, etc., and aimed at microcomputers, personal computers, multi-layer circuit boards, computer peripherals, advanced communication equipment, audio and other products.

To say that Hong Kong cannot develop the electronics industry is just nonsense.At the peak of the previous life, Hong Kong’s GDP was 20% of that of the mainland, mainly due to its strong industry.

Hong Kong's industry eventually went to ruin because of the rise in housing prices and labor, the relocation of industries to the mainland, and no one doing "industrial upgrading".

Thinking of this, Lin Zhichao decided to revitalize Hong Kong's electronics industry. In recent years, he has worked hard for the merger of several industrial colleges into the "Hong Kong Polytechnic Institute", and then quickly upgraded to the "Hong Kong Polytechnic University", laying the foundation for talents; Set up a 'high-tech industrial park' to leave the electronics industry for Hong Kong and upgrade the industry.

Wang Liang nodded and said, "Okay, I'll prepare the radio assembly line right away, it's not difficult for us."

Lin Zhichao said: "Well, make simple products first, then diversify after accumulating experience, and finally challenge more difficult products. The electronics industry will eventually be one of the biggest industries that will change human beings, and it will be a long-term development industry. .”

Wang Liang said: "Okay"

In his view, the boss is very forward-looking and planning, and will tell everyone directly which industry is for short-term development and which industry is for long-term development, so that the group will have a consensus.For example, wigs and plastic flowers, the boss made it clear that there are still five or six years of good time; in this way, everyone can adjust in time, brake in time, and reduce investment.

Lin Zhichao finally said: "Let's call it 'Midea Electric'!"

He has always 'stolen' other people's names, saves effort, and has passed the market test.

Wang Liang's eyes lit up, and he said: "This name is easy to pronounce, and it is very meaningful. It is a beautiful life and a beautiful experience."

A few words of flattery, of course, the name is really good.

It is another spring of the year.

The 'Global Building' at 77 Des Voeux Road Central officially started construction, and a groundbreaking ceremony was held.

The construction process of buildings in Hong Kong is different from that in the Mainland of later generations. Because of the small space and the need to ensure the passage of pedestrians, only bamboo scaffolding systems can be used.These bamboos seem to be hanging on the wall, and they are tightly attached, so the workers have to work in a small space.

The construction of Universal Building is very particular, because the main body is a special steel structure and steel beams made in the UK, and the outer wall is a glass curtain wall imported from the UK, so the construction is more complicated.

Of course, no matter how complicated the project is, it is not a problem.

Poly Construction itself is a Class C construction license holder, with architectural elites and rich experience; at the same time, 'Global Tower' also hired a British construction company as a consultant to ensure the smooth completion of this 'innovative' building.

Since the materials are all imported from the UK, the materials are pulled back from the UK in batches while the construction is underway; it just so happens that the second-hand broken ships purchased by Global Shipping play a role.

For the opening ceremony of Universal Building, Lin Zhichao did not invite friends from the real estate and banking fields, just like the 'Poly Building (Peder Street)', he only invited a few relatives and friends.

Low key!

These commercial buildings will not be listed assets in the future, so it is better to keep a low profile.

Although it will not be hidden from the media in the future, it will not be so conspicuous.

Tatsuro Yamashita, who came to attend the groundbreaking ceremony, said: "Mr. Lin, how much does such a building need to invest?"

Tatsuro Yamashita is the president of Yamaguchi Steamship. This time he was invited by Lin Zhichao to come to Hong Kong for vacation, and he also participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.The two have been working together for almost ten years, and it is absolutely no problem to say that Tatsuro Yamashita is Lin Zhichao's "visited guest".

So every time he is invited to come to Hong Kong for vacation, Lin Zhichao will accompany him for at least one day-playing golf, eating, and other vacation expenses are borne by global shipping.

Not to mention that Tatsuro Yamashita is a major customer, even ordinary customers who sometimes come to Hong Kong from Japan to charter a ship, Lin Zhichao also takes time as much as possible to accompany him for a drink.

There are more social activities in shipping than in real estate, and of course the network of contacts is much larger.

Lin Zhichao said: "Even the land should be around 500 million US dollars!"

Tatsuro Yamashita smiled and said, "It's very cheap! One of your big oil tankers costs more than that!"

Lin Zhichao responded: "It is true, but I like to diversify my investment, so I also have a certain amount of capital in real estate."

Tatsuro Yamashita said at this time: "Mr. Lin is very shrewd in his business, and he can't make mistakes." !"

Lin Zhichao said seriously: "It's just a coincidence. After all, it was normal to sign a long-term contract at that time. President Yamashita, don't mind it. After all, our fleet has completed the mission very well these years, and you have praised it more than once. .”

In fact, the three large shipping companies in Japan are almost all leased second-hand ships, so the price is the standard of 'less than a year for second-hand ships'; compared with new ships, they have already paid a lot less money.

Even according to the 'one-way short-term rental' model, the price is probably about the same.

It's not a disadvantage, after all, this matter is unpredictable. In fact, Tatsuro Yamashita doesn't really mind that, but he must have other purposes.

Sure enough, Tatsuro Yamashita said: "Okay! Don't mention that, after all, no one knows how the future will develop. But in the second half of this year, those cargo ships will all expire one after another. How does Mr. Lin plan to cooperate?"

After finishing speaking, he looked at Lin Zhichao seriously, his subconscious mind was self-evident.

Lin Zhichao said decisively: "The lease will be renewed for three years, and the rent will be [-]% off the current short-term rental rate. President Yamashita also knows that this year's shipping situation is doomed to be bad. We are mainly looking for business care. The price is easy to negotiate!"

Tatsuro Yamashita immediately said happily: "Mr. Lin is a cheerful person!"

In his opinion, although those cargo ships are second-hand ships, the key to the well-managed global shipping is that they are very cheap.

In late March, Lin Zhichao came to the United States to participate in a shipping summit.

At the banquet, Niu Deng from Exxon Petroleum came to Lin Zhichao and said, "Mr. Lin, we have decided to rent your [-]-ton oil tanker. You have to take care of the price!"

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "No problem, we will talk about it later!"

The cooperation between the two parties is very pleasant. Niu Deng is also a very straightforward American. He not only leases the ships of Global Shipping, but also introduces business for Global Shipping.Because in Niu Deng's view, the price of the ships in global shipping has an advantage, and the quality of management and seafarers are very good.

Anyway, doing business with Americans is the most difficult for the first time. If you cannot gain his trust, there will be no second time; but if you can gain the trust of Americans, then the benefits will be too much. People are knocked out.

Niu Deng asked again: "You make so much money, do you still have a shipbuilding plan?"

Lin Zhichao's betting on the "eight large oil tankers" was still widely spread in the industry, and it also brought Lin Zhichao a huge influence.

"Yes, this year we plan to build eight 10-ton oil tankers in Japan, and then launch them into the water. If Exxon Petroleum needs it, we can sign a three-year contract."

Niu Deng immediately became more enthusiastic. If Lin Zhichao was the kind of ship owner who "satisfied with the status quo", he might have a bad impression; but now Lin Zhichao dares to build ships when the shipping is at a low point, which shows that he has a good vision.

And looking at this, Niu Deng knew that Lin Zhichao would soon surpass Onassis' fleet.After all, building eight [-]-ton oil tankers at one time is already at the level of the "world ship king".

"No problem, you can come to discuss cooperation anytime!"

While the two were chatting, an American came to them and said to Lin Zhichao, "Mr. Lin, let's talk together?"

Lin Zhichao immediately said with a smile: "Of course, Mr. McClain!"

The person who came here was Malcolm McLean, the "father of containers" and the founder of "sea-land combined transport". Naturally, the two have had an intersection; Colm McLean actually demonstrated it in practice in 1954.

However, because Lin Zhichao is from Hong Kong, and he was only talking on paper, he didn't pay much attention to it.

Malcolm McLean held a red wine glass, gestured, and said, "Mr. Lin, are you still optimistic about container shipping?"

Lin Zhichao responded with a red wine glass, and said: "Of course, the container will be the greatest invention of this century. Its advantages are low freight costs, complete protection of goods, and convenient sea-land transportation. I know that sea-land combined transportation is because the New York dock labor union is very strong. , The rebound is huge, and container shipping is just in its infancy and is still in the groping stage, so your company has not made money. Is it?"

The New York dock workers union naturally has to consider dock workers, and container transportation reduces the labor cost of loading and unloading, so it's no wonder it doesn't make a fuss.

Malcolm McLean suddenly felt that he had found a bosom friend, and the chat became more active. He said, "Mr. Lin thinks, how can we develop container transportation?"

Lin Zhichao thought for a while and said: "Container transportation between ports in the United States will annoy labor unions. But if overseas container transportation is used to let the world's shipping see its advantages, then the resistance from dock workers will no longer be land and sea. The combined transport family can bear it. Or, if the national level requires container capacity, then everything will no longer be a hindrance. Of course, these are all waiting for opportunities. If Mr. Malcolm McLean has economic difficulties, I don’t mind investing in sea and land intermodal."

It's not bad to take the opportunity to invest in shares!
Malcolm McLean said: "There is no financial difficulty in sea-land transport, but it is difficult to make any money from container shipping! Mr. Lin is doing shipping in Hong Kong. Is there any opportunity there?"

Lin Zhichao shook his head and said, "There are great interests involved. Although I am optimistic about the container terminal, if there is no external interference, it will be difficult for the Hong Kong government to agree to give me a chance to develop."

What he said was true. If Lin Zhichao proposed to the Hong Kong government to develop a container terminal, he would definitely receive pressure from Jardine Matheson and Taikoo, because they are the biggest beneficiaries of traditional terminals.In addition, the future of world container transportation is unclear, and the Hong Kong government will not agree.

In other words, the Hong Kong government will only consider container development unless it is clear; before that, it will not give the green light for Lin Zhichao.

Malcolm McLean said: "That's a pity. Hong Kong is a transit point for the Asian shipping industry. If there is a container container terminal, this model will surely become popular in the world in one fell swoop."

Lin Zhichao said: "Compared with Hong Kong, Europe is more acceptable. Rotterdam in the Netherlands is the most suitable opportunity. Mr. McLean can try it. Container transportation can shorten the transportation time of goods from the United States to Europe, and there may be good opportunities at that time." Ad Performance."

McLean immediately said: "Indeed, thank you Mr. Lin for this suggestion!"

In fact, for the container terminal, Lin Zhichao did not intend to force it, and went to fight with Jardine and Taikoo in advance.Anyway, in the future, he must be the owner of the largest container terminal in Hong Kong, because Wharf and Hutchison Whampoa are all in his pocket.

Therefore, there is no need to show it too early-aggressive, which will arouse the vigilance of the British.

There is nothing wrong with the words of the ancestors - build high walls, accumulate more grain, and slowly become king.

After this communication, Lin Zhichao and McLean became friends, and the two planned to have a private banquet tomorrow.

After the trip to New York, Lin Zhichao returned to Los Angeles.

Every time he comes to New York now, many friends invite him to invite him, and finally he has built an overseas network of relationships.These interpersonal networks are all from the shipping industry, otherwise people would really not care about you, a Hong Kong real estate developer and industrialist.

Audrey Toys, Lin Zhichao and Audrey Hepburn sat in the chairman's office and chatted.

Audrey Hepburn is the chairman and founder, and naturally enjoys a separate office. On the contrary, the Rich team is a part-time job after all, so how dare you disrespect this boss; what's more, when it comes to Barbie dolls, Audrey Hepburn will also be referred to as 'Mother of Barbie'.

"Honey, the stocks we invested in have risen by 40% last year, it's crazy! Including the stocks invested in the UK, our capital in the stock market has reached 900 million US dollars." Audrey Hepburn blinked her big eyes, excited Said.

Last year, U.S. stocks really rose sharply. Since March, the Dow Jones Index has risen by more than 30% in one year. This is something that Lin Zhichao did not expect.

Lin Zhichao said: "It's not bad! Didn't you get a dividend of more than 200 million US dollars last year? You can continue to buy IBM shares later, and then invest in Coca-Cola."

Although he doesn't understand American stocks in this era, he has experience anyway. According to his analysis:
First of all, the US economy developed rapidly in the 60s and is expected to change only after the 'Suez Crisis' in 1967;
Secondly, semiconductor and aviation stocks in the United States were popular in the 60s, especially IBM, which must have performed well;
In the end, Lin Zhichao believes that stocks should be cleared before 1962, because the Cuban missile crisis occurred in this year, and there will be no growth throughout the year.

For these reasons, Lin Zhichao is invincible even if he does not understand the US stocks of this era.

Audrey Hepburn gradually became more interested in making money, and said, "Do you want to invest all of it?"

Throughout the year, the profit of Audrey Toys hit a new high, reaching nearly 500 million U.S. dollars, so it took out 300 million U.S. dollars for dividends. Audrey Hepburn got the share of herself and Lin Zhichao, totaling 270 million U.S. dollars, and the remaining 10% distributed to management.

Even the employees have received generous year-end bonuses.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "If you don't want to spend that money, you can consider investing it and let the money make money. If you need to spend money, you can tell me, and I will give you another sum!"

Audrey Hepburn immediately shook her head and said, "I don't want your money anymore. I still have hundreds of thousands of dollars in my hand, which is enough for my expenses. Moreover, some stocks can be sold at any time, and I will never be short of money to spend."

Ever since Lin Zhichao let her make a fortune from 'sugar futures', Audrey Hepburn believed in Lin Zhichao's financial skills even more.Therefore, I have always been more enthusiastic about stock investment.

"Remember what I said, don't try to speculate in stocks yourself! Although I am also instructing you to speculate in stocks, I am not actually speculating in stocks. It is a long-term investment made by analyzing the growth prospects of the economy and enterprises, which has little to do with stock speculative trading. .”

Audrey Hepburn said with a smile: "If you don't tell me, I won't invest in stocks myself! You know me, I don't want to spend too much energy on making money, I prefer to be with my children." After finishing speaking, she revealed the brilliance of motherhood .

Lin Zhichao is very satisfied with this woman's style. In fact, European and American women are not open in this era. It was probably in the 70s and [-]s that European and American women exploded with their G life.

On the contrary, no matter whether it is Audrey Hepburn or Monroe who had a relationship last time, others are very loyal to marriage and it is impossible to cheat in marriage.Monroe also liked children, but she had a miscarriage!

(End of this chapter)