Chapter 955: Are you sure you didn’t add an extra zero?
Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.
The sun was about to rise and a private jet landed on the runway of Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Five extended Lincolns were waiting outside the special terminal of the airport, and there were anti-terrorist secret service agents protecting the vicinity.
This special terminal usually remained closed to the public, and it was specially prepared for distinguished government officials. But now, it made an exception to open up for an entrepreneur with no official position. The Malyaisa government greeted the entrepreneur from Xin with the highest courtesy.
“Welcome, Mr. Jiang. As Malaysia International Trade and Industry Minister, I sincerely thank you for your contribution to the Malyasia economy.” In the car, International Trade and Industry Minister Mustafa politely expressed his grat.i.tude.
The New Malaysia Special District created an annual output value of 50 billion USD, accounting for almost one-eighth of the total Malaysia Gross Domestic Product. The backcountry of the poor Province of Papua suddenly became one of the most stunning economic and industrial provinces on the country’s financial report. At least half of the output value contributed to the industry was from Future Group, it was no surprise Mustafa was so enthusiastic.
The vehicles quickly pa.s.sed through the emerging international metropolitian that fused oriental culture with Western civilization. They headed to Putrajaya, 20 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur. More than a decade ago, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Federal Administrative Center moved here.
Compared to the bustling Kuala Lumpur, it was quieter here.
The vehicles stopped directly in front of the Prime Minister’s Office. The red stone brick road paved all the way to the doorway of the dome building. The green vegetation and carved street lamps gave off a retro vibe.
Malaysia Prime Minister Razak was personally waiting at the door, with his aides, and politely ushered Jiang Chen into the building.
The group went into a reception room, and the black-haired middle-aged man invited Jiang Chen to take a seat, and then told the a.s.sistant to pour a cup of black tea for himself and Jiang Chen.
“What is the purpose of Mr. Jiang’s visit?”
Thick white fog lingered above the black tea. Jiang Chen didn’t touch the cup and instead was straightforward.
“For a win-win agreement.”
Razak’s face showed interest.
“Oh? What kind of agreement brought you personally here.”
“According to your 2018 electricity consumption report announced by the Ministry of Energy at the beginning of this year, the total power generation in your country last year was 224.3 billion kWh, and the average cost per kWh was 0. 21 Ringgit. The energy cost compared with the previous year went up by a few points, am I right?” Jiang Chen asked with a smile.
Razak nodded, and spoke, “It’s true… Are you worried that the energy situation in our country may affect the investment environment? You don’t have to worry about it at all. We are next to Singapore, even if our electricity cost rises, other countries increase will only be higher, definitely not less.”
Because Malaysia was located next to one of the world’s three major refining bases, the country itself was a major exporter of oil and natural gas. Malaysia’s power generation mostly depended on thermal power generation, supplemented by wind and solar energy. Although the price of oil was relatively cheap compared to other countries because of the lower cost of freight, the rise in oil prices in recent years still slightly raised the cost of electricity.
As early as 2015, Malaysia had proposed to build the first nuclear power plant in 2021. At that time, the Russian national nuclear energy company partic.i.p.ated in the bidding. However, due to the surge in opposition, the location of the nuclear power plant remained to be finalized even to this day.
The problem of electricity consumption has plagued Malaysia for many years, and has never been completely solved.
Even without the report of the Ministry of Energy, Jiang Chen could clearly see this from Future Heavy Industries’ financial report in the New Malaysia Special District. The change in electricity prices would be directly reflected in the production cost of steel and aluminum plants. Almost all industries with high pollution and high manpower demand were built in the district.
“But this is still a big problem, isn’t it?”
The brows raised slightly, and after Razak indulged for a while, his brows returned to normal as if he had made some kind of a decision. He said, “We are willing to give a five percent discount on electricity in the special district. But this special treatment is not convenient to disclose, and you must fulfill the duty of confidentiality for this matter.”
Jiang Chen shook his head.
“This is not a long-term solution.”
Razak was caught off-guard, and then there was an unpleasant look in his eyes. Willing to make concessions on the price of electricity already showed sincerity, but Jiang Chen refused the offer without even considering it.
If it were not for the cooperation between the two sides that was important to Malaysia’s economy, he would already have asked him to leave.
Although deeply disguised, Jiang Chen saw the dissatisfaction on Razak’s face. However, he did not explain anything and continued on.
“Seeking special treatment is not the reason why I came here today. Since the problem lies between us, then what we need to do is solve this problem, not to ask for one-sided concessions.”
Razak was somewhat uncertain after he heard this.
Not seeking special treatment? Why did you mention electricity prices? Could it be…
Suddenly, he speculated a possibility and looked at Jiang Chen with surprise. Jiang Chen then spoke up.
“We have made a major breakthrough in power generation technology–”
Jiang Chen didn’t even finish when Razak said immediately.
“Is it nuclear power?”
Jiang Chen nodded and said, “It is indeed nuclear power.”
“Although I personally hope that you can partic.i.p.ate in the bidding for the nuclear power project, I have to remind you that Malaysia’s nuclear power project has not yet finalized its site selection so far. At least until 2025, the nuclear power plant project is unlikely to start construction.” Razak shook his head.
“Although it is nuclear power, it will not be built in your country.” Jiang Chen smiled.
“Then where?” Razak frowned.
“It’ll be built in the sky,” Jiang Chen said, pointing his finger at the ceiling. “You only need a cable from Coro Island to New Malaysia, and your country can enjoy cheap electricity.”
“Do you mean to connect Xin’s grid with Malaysia’s grid? This is impossible.” Razak shook his head. “The grid is related to national security. Our diplomatic relations with Xin are good, but we have not yet trusted each other to merge the grid.”
“It’s not the power grid, it’s just a simple sale of electricity.” Jiang Chen spread his hands and continued to persuade the president, “Like buying and selling natural gas, our electricity price will be much cheaper than your domestic power generation cost.”
Looking at Razak, who was in deep thought, Jiang Chen went on.
“How about hearing my offer first?”
“How much?”
“0.05 Ringgit per kWh”
Jiang Chen’s nonchalant responded created a shockwave in the mind of the Malaysia Prime Minister. To the point where he almost gasped.
“Are you sure you didn’t add an extra zero?”