Lu Weimin nodded inwardly; Mao Rong, who could serve as the deputy director of the county government office, indeed had some insight, able to pinpoint the core of the issue at a glance.
"Director Mao, what you said makes sense. We are also considering how to enhance our competitiveness. Hereās what I think: on one hand, I believe we can demonstrate our advantage in skilled labor. The county canning food factory is currently in a semi-shutdown state, and the workers are only receiving 60% of their basic salary. If this enterprise settles in Nantang, I think we can have the workers from the county canning food factory start working on a temporary basis. This would maximize work efficiency," Lu Weimin said with a faint smile.
"Oh, thatās not a bad idea. These Hong Kong businessmen are different from our state-owned enterprises; they place a high emphasis on efficiency and benefits. If we can provide them with skilled workers, they will certainly be very satisfied. This is indeed one of our major advantages. However, Iām not sure if you are aware, but the workers at the county canning food factory, although skilled, may not be as disciplined or motivated. From what I understand, companies in capitalist societies have very high standards for work efficiency and a greater intensity of labor. Whether the workers from the county canning food factory can adapt and are willing to work there still needs to be investigated," Mao Rong said.
Lu Weimin nodded inwardly again. This woman indeed had some substance, considering issues meticulously and thoroughly, unlike some women who could be easily misled by a few words. She had a clear mind and a keen eye for problems.
"Director Mao, the issue you raised is indeed a concern. I have investigated, and the county food factory has been in a semi-shutdown state for one or two years, with workers complaining bitterly. Many are dual-income families with elderly parents and young children. They are not unwilling to work, but there is no work available. If we can provide sufficient economic compensation or incentives, I believe the workers at the food factory will be very willing to take on this job, which would also greatly alleviate the pressure on our county government," Lu Weimin said with a smile.
The workers at the county food factory have already approached the county government several times to reflect their situation, demanding that the government solve their survival issues. Living on just the basic salary is difficult to sustain their normal lives, especially for those with heavier burdens, who have also asked the county to find ways to resolve the difficulties faced by the food factory. This is a rather thorny issue for the county.
Mao Rong clearly understood this situation. It seemed that her deputy had a good mind, coming up with these ideas and planning them so thoroughly. She nodded in agreement, "Hmm, this is indeed a good idea. What else do you have?"
"On the other hand, it also involves another task I want to report to Director Mao today: the construction of the industrial development zone," Lu Weimin said calmly. "My idea is that if we can seize this opportunity to start the development zone, making the Hong Kong businessmen realize that we are building a food processing industry chain around the development zone, it will certainly be very attractive for them to invest and set up factories in Nantang. After all, we already have some foundations in this area, such as our packaging materials and printing industries, which can provide support for the food processing industry, eliminating the need for them to look elsewhere."
Mao Rong finally understood the main purpose of Lu Weiminās visit today. While attracting investment was one aspect, the more important part was the construction of the industrial development zone.
If attracting investment could be achieved with external assistance, the construction of the development zone was not so simple. It involved land allocation, construction planning, and public facility coordination, involving multiple departments such as planning, land, urban construction, power, transportation, public security, water supply, telecommunications, and environmental protection, as well as the relevant townships, almost covering the entire government. To coordinate these departments and townships, one needed to be well-versed in the operations of the government, which was probably why this guy had repeatedly come to report his work.
However, Mao Rong still appreciated Lu Weiminās politeness and propriety. LĆ¼ Yuchuan had already communicated with her, conveying Shen Ziliās intentions. Shen Zili had extended an olive branch, but was this a slap followed by a sweet treat?
Mao Rong knew her options were limited. This guy had specifically come to report his work, essentially preparing the steps for her to save face. He was a very adept and shrewd person, almost unlike a newly graduated college student.
"Xiao Lu, it seems you have done your work very thoroughly and thoughtfully," Mao Rong said after a moment of thought. "Why donāt you leave these documents here? Iāve been feeling a bit tired lately, so Iāll review them at home and try to come back to work on Monday."
"Thatās great, Director Mao. Although our special task force only has a few people, we all sincerely hope you can recover soon and lead us to accomplish some real work," Lu Weimin said with a joyful smile. "Many people in the county donāt take us seriously, thinking weāre just a facade. But I believe that since the county has issued official documents assigning us responsibilities, we have the determination and obligation to do our work well. Without a leader, we are like a headless snake."
"Xiao Lu, donāt keep putting me on a pedestal. The higher you praise me, the more it hurts when I fall," Mao Rong said with a meaningful look. "Iāve heard that the county leaders have different views on these two tasks. We need to gather ideas and work together."
Lu Weimin laughed lightly. Mao Rong was indeed not simple and was a very intelligent person. However, if she wanted to probe his intentions, it was also a good opportunity for him to express his stance.
"Director Mao, hereās what I think. The county has issued official documents defining our responsibilities. I believe we have no reason to hesitate. We are not working for any individual. To put it more grandly, we are working to justify the salary the party, the government, and the people give us. We should do our work well, move forward with confidence, and thereās nothing to fear. I believe no one can criticize us as long as we stick to the principle of addressing issues rather than individuals. If we do this, I believe the higher-ups will recognize it."
Lu Weiminās sincere and steady words left Mao Rong pondering even after he left. Undoubtedly, his words were both a declaration and an explanation. This guy left a vague yet profound impression on her, a contradictory and complex image that puzzled her, who prided herself on her ability to read people.
Even years later, Mao Rong could still vividly recall this scene.