Chapter 274 - 234: Big Shots Gather

Chapter 274: Chapter 234: Big Shots Gather

When a leader speaks, their perspective is naturally that of the entire province.

It was billed as a New Year’s address, but the actual content was almost entirely about the province’s economic development. First came a summary, then a look ahead, with a constant stream of data pouring from his mouth, enough to make Gu Heng’s head spin.

He snuck a glance around and saw the renowned entrepreneurs of Ji Province seated in front of him. Their faces were all etched with expressions of shared pride. As Tan Guocheng listed the many economic achievements, they would all give a slight nod in unison.

’Impressive!’

’What a bunch of actors!’

Gu Heng mused to himself while outwardly mimicking the expressions and reactions of those around him, trying his best to appear more serious and solemn.

"My friends, the entrepreneurs of Ji Province!"

"The year 2024 is a crucial year for Ji Province to take the lead in achieving new breakthroughs in its comprehensive revitalization. We must adhere to the principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, promoting stability through progress, and establishing the new before abolishing the old. We will proactively forge ahead in transforming our development model, adjusting our economic structure, improving quality, and increasing efficiency, continuously consolidating the foundation for steady and positive growth..."

At first, Gu Heng found it hard to pay attention, but after making an effort to listen carefully, he actually started to pick up on some key points.

Although this was an official business dinner and Tan Guocheng’s speech was, unsurprisingly, quite formal, the government hadn’t organized this event for nothing. They wouldn’t have everyone come just to go through the motions. Some parts of his speech were actually quite valuable.

For instance, when Tan Guocheng spoke on the topic of "using technological innovation to lead industrial upgrading," he clearly stated that in the coming year, Ji Province would focus on its key industries—automobiles, equipment manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals and healthcare. The province would strive to promote digital transformation to ensure these sectors maintain their current edge and work to expand it further.

Furthermore, Tan Guocheng announced that next year, the province would cultivate and expand strategic emerging industries like new energy vehicles, high-end equipment manufacturing, and biopharmaceuticals. He also mentioned forward-looking plans for future industries such as carbon fiber, satellite data, and hydrogen energy, all of which would receive targeted support in the tech sector.

It was significant that more than half of the entrepreneurs invited today were involved in the automotive, equipment manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries. For Tan Guocheng to send such a signal at this gathering was, without a doubt, a powerful shot in the arm for these corporate leaders.

For these heads of corporations, each with an industrial scale exceeding five hundred million yuan, the difference between having government support and not having it was enormous.

This support would manifest in various forms, including favorable local policies, bank loans, and tax breaks. While the support might seem minor on the surface, if converted into cold, hard cash, it would amount to a considerable sum.

In short, Tan Guocheng’s speech was a weather vane for Ji Province’s economic development in the coming year. It was definitely useful to listen closely.

"My friends!"

"The wind is in our sails for the long journey ahead, and with heavy responsibilities on our shoulders, we set forth once more!"

"In this new year, let us strengthen our confidence, lift our spirits, and forge ahead with determination to promote Ji Province’s comprehensive revitalization, to be the first to achieve new breakthroughs, and to make new and greater contributions toward realizing the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation!"

"And finally—"

"I sincerely wish everyone good health, success in your work, happiness for your families, and may all your wishes come true in the new year!"

Tan Guocheng’s speech lasted about fifteen minutes, and he concluded it crisply. After he finished, he returned to his seat, and Wei Ze’gong walked back to the front.

The hall erupted in thunderous applause that seemed to go on forever.

The famous entrepreneurs from Ji Province at the front were even more enthusiastic. After Tan Guocheng finished, they shouted their approval, raising their clapping hands above their heads as if afraid he might not see their applause.

Positioned toward the front of the banquet hall’s central area, Gu Heng applauded along with everyone else. He watched the obsequious displays of the famous entrepreneurs ahead and sighed inwardly:

’It’s all about playing the social game... I still have a lot to learn.’