418: Chapter 418 Key Tasks: Attracting Investment

He would certainly do that.

If it were me, with the situation looking so favorable, I would do the same—push my own people up and bring my political rivals down.

However, he was overthinking it.

Qin Chuan didn't even mention personnel adjustments; instead, he said, "Comrade Mayor Liu, you are the mayor. I would like to hear your plans and ideas regarding economic development."

Mayor Liu was stunned for a moment. He didn't have any real plans or ideas; lately, he had been thinking mostly about political struggles and how to vie for power and influence.

After hesitating for a moment, he wracked his brain and managed to come up with a few points.

Qin Chuan was clearly dissatisfied and criticized him, saying, "Comrade Mayor Liu, as the mayor, developing the economy and increasing the city's GDP is your responsibility. You cannot drop the ball on this."

"Yes, yes." Mayor Liu didn't dare to show even the slightest dissatisfaction. "Secretary Qin is right to criticize me. I will immediately convene a meeting to discuss future economic development."

Qin Chuan reminded him, "Dongjiang City is a major tourist destination, and it is currently the peak tourist season. The Culture and Tourism Bureau previously issued a series of policies. As mayor, you should supervise and support the implementation of these policies. We cannot relax our efforts in tourism."

"Yes, yes, yes." Mayor Liu nodded. "You are right. I will personally oversee and supervise the implementation of these policies."

Qin Chuan continued, "Besides tourism, investment promotion is also a top priority. We must increase our efforts in attracting investment to boost the city's industrial development..."

Qin Chuan said a lot.

The general idea was to walk on two legs: first, to vigorously develop tourism and build Dongjiang City into a nationally renowned tourist destination; second, to increase investment promotion, vigorously develop industry, and raise the city's overall industrial level.

Mayor Liu didn't dare to show any defiance; he acted properly and even appeared humble, taking out a pen and notebook to record everything one by one.

Seeing him like this, Qin Chuan attached a bit more importance to him.

This man was not entirely brainless; at the very least, he could see the situation clearly and knew how to disguise himself and show weakness. There is truly no one simple among those who manage to become mayors of prefecture-level cities.

After sending Mayor Liu away, Qin Chuan thought to himself that he would wait and see; there was no rush to get rid of him.

Surprisingly, Mayor Liu did not feign compliance or ignore what Qin Chuan had said; he immediately convened a special meeting to make a series of arrangements and deployments.

Regarding tourism, Dongjiang City increased its promotional efforts and announced a series of preferential policies. The results were immediate, and more and more people came to visit.

Efforts in investment promotion were also increased, with a series of reward policies even being announced. Anyone who could attract large investments would either be financially rewarded or receive a promotion in their position.

Mayor Liu himself also got involved personally; it was rumored that he was negotiating with a major paper manufacturing giant, preparing to build the largest paper mill in the country in Dongjiang City.

Qin Chuan was not idle either.

When it came to investment promotion, he had unique advantages. Just then, Qin Chuan was on the phone with Chairman Chen Zhixun.

"Chairman Chen, Linshui County in our Dongjiang City has abundant clay reserves. We are preparing to vigorously support and develop industrial ceramics. Why don't you bring a few people over to take a look?"

Chairman Chen Zhixun didn't deal in industrial ceramics, but there were people in his circle who did, and those who could enter their circle were definitely big shots.

"Brother Chuan, I am ashamed. You have been in office in Dongjiang City for some time now, and I should have come over long ago. Don't worry, I will bring a group of people over immediately."

After chatting on the phone for a few minutes, Qin Chuan's mood improved.

Chairman Chen Zhixun said he would take the lead and bring a business delegation, where every member was the head of a company worth hundreds of billions. Dongjiang City should surely have industries suitable for them.

Having so many CEOs come for an inspection was unprecedented in the history of Dongjiang City, and even in the history of Jiangnan Province, it was extremely rare.

Qin Chuan was even wondering what projects would be suitable for them when so many people came to inspect, or what projects he should suggest they invest in in Dongjiang City...

Just as he was thinking this, a knock sounded at the office door, and Secretary-General Tian Chaoqun pushed the door open and entered.

"Secretary, there is a situation I feel I need to report to you."

Qin Chuan nodded slightly. "Hmm, go ahead."

Secretary-General Tian Chaoqun specifically closed the office door and then said, "Mayor Liu is in contact with Linge Paper. The two sides seem to have reached a preliminary agreement, and Mayor Liu is preparing to invite Linge Paper to build a factory in our Dongjiang City."

Linge Paper—Qin Chuan knew of them.

It was a listed company and the largest paper manufacturing enterprise in the country. Some time ago, there were news reports that their largest paper mill in Guangdong Province was facing closure because increasingly strict local environmental requirements made it almost impossible for them to operate.

This company had been seeking to relocate its paper mills to the inland regions because the environmental policies there were not as strict. Some local governments would even turn a blind eye to pollution for the sake of GDP.

Secretary-General Tian Chaoqun warned, "Secretary, I am worried that if Linge Paper builds a factory in our Dongjiang City, it will cause serious pollution."

Dongjiang City was a major tourist destination with green mountains, clear waters, and clean rivers. If a paper mill discharged pollutants, it would be fatal.

Qin Chuan nodded solemnly. "I also do not approve of building a paper mill in our city, unless they can meet world-class emission standards. If they want to invest and build a factory, the location must be limited to Yongan County."

Why limit it to Yongan County?

Yongan County did not have any large scenic spots or tourism resources, so it would be a key county for industrial development.

Since he knew that Mayor Liu was preparing to bring in this investment, as the team leader, Qin Chuan certainly had to look into it. With one phone call, he summoned Mayor Liu.

Mayor Liu's attitude was humble, even somewhat happy, because he had basically reached an agreement with the Linge Group. The investment scale was over 30 billion. Once this factory was built, it would not only solve employment for tens of thousands of people in Dongjiang City but also bring in a large amount of tax revenue and significantly increase Dongjiang's GDP.

"Secretary Qin, rest assured, the other party promised that the emissions will definitely meet domestic standards, and the wastewater and waste gas treatment equipment will be the best in the country..."

Qin Chuan still felt a bit uneasy and asked, "When are they coming? I want to speak with them in person."

"If all goes well, they will arrive in our Dongjiang City the day after tomorrow. It would be best if Secretary Qin could speak with them," Mayor Liu replied.

The specific contact matters were all being handled by Mayor Liu; Qin Chuan basically did not intervene or ask about them. Over these two days, however, he had spoken with Chairman Chen Zhixun a few times.

The other party had gathered dozens of people and was preparing to form a large business delegation, which could arrive in as soon as three days.

This was what Qin Chuan was most looking forward to. He really didn't hold much hope for the Linge Group. If they could meet the environmental requirements, that would be fine, but if they couldn't, he would absolutely not accept this investment.