Chapter 299 Profiting from Exchange Rate Changes
Thirty-six million dollars a boat?
This price is too cheap, right?
If it were the West, a brand new warship of the same model would cost at least 200 million US dollars! At only one-fifth of the price of Western warships, they can buy a brand new frigate with performance comparable to that of Western warships?
All the Pakistani naval officers present were tempted.
Wang Hongmin was a little surprised.
This price is too cheap, right? For them, it's just a matter of capital preservation.
Domestically, their quotation is 200 million yuan. Now, based on the exchange rate of 5.5, it is just 36 million US dollars, and the price has not changed.
But, this is the exit!
Exports are all about making money. Look at the several exports led by Qin Tao, and they have made so much money. Now, why can’t our own Huatingdong Shipyard make more money from selling it?
Thinking of this, Wang Hongmin wanted to ask, but Zheng Ming patted his thigh from below to ask him to relax.
Relax, since Mr. Qin has spoken, he must have his purpose.
Must trust your partner completely!
Wang Hongmin swallowed what he wanted to say back into his stomach and remained silent in front of the audience.
The old buses present began to whisper among themselves.
Although everyone used English during the talks, the historical legacy of Lao Ba and people who have received enough elite education can all speak English, but now in private discussions, they use their native tongue and speak very quickly.
Ten minutes later.
“If you can guarantee this price and the weapons and equipment, then we have the idea of ordering two ships.”
The money to buy six Type 21 frigates can just buy two of these frigates. After some comparison and weighing, they still believed that it would be more appropriate to purchase two of these frigates from the East.
The Type 21 frigate only provides quantity at most, but no quality at all. This Seacat surface-to-air missile system is almost the same as none. After all, the main threat at sea now is anti-ship missiles. Although the Sea Sidewinder is not great, it can at least satisfy the requirements. Their requirements, and since China is now able to produce it independently, it will be cheaper to continue to purchase missiles in the future.
The other party actually agreed?
Wang Hongmin felt slightly excited.
As long as it can be sold, it means that the Pakistani market has been opened, and more warships may be sold in the future.
“Our frigate with a displacement of 2,200 tons will definitely become the backbone of your navy. After these two warships are put into service in your navy, you will definitely place more orders.”
Hearing Qin Tao's words, the Pakistani naval officers across from him frowned again.
Wang Hongmin was shocked. Could it be that these people were dissatisfied with their own frigates?
“Isn’t the displacement of two thousand tons a little small? The wind and waves in the Indian Ocean are a bit big.” Mahmoud said: “The Type 21 frigate we originally planned to purchase also has a displacement of three thousand tons.”
"If the displacement is further increased, then our existing engines will not be enough." Qin Tao said: "We originally planned to use two self-made 390 diesel engines, which have just enough power. If we continue to increase the displacement, Then we can only import MTU diesel engines from Germany, and the cost will soar."
Hearing the word "cost soared," Wang Hongmin finally realized that this was Mr. Qin's tactic.
First quote a low price to attract the other party's attention. When the other party agrees, throw away the plan to purchase second-hand frigates, and then increase the price!
The characteristic of Made in China is low price. If foreign goods are used, the price will rise sharply, and profits will naturally come.
"If the power system is upgraded, then the price will increase by at least 30 million US dollars." Qin Tao simply calculated: "However, the larger displacement brings better seaworthiness. I think this price Money can still be spent.”
thirty million!
The price immediately rose from 36 million to 66 million, which is still a great success!
In the past two years, Huatingdong Shipyard actually had an export order for frigates. This was the F-25T "Narai Song En" class frigate manufactured for Siam, which used German diesel engines, American naval guns and anti-ship weapons. Missiles, as well as Italian torpedoes, the price of such a set has reached 50 million US dollars.
Now, the price of this improved frigate has increased to such an extent just by using a German engine. Mr. Qin’s knife is also sharp enough.
This price increase makes Lao Ba feel a little uncomfortable. So, Qin Tao changed his words again: "Now, we will submit the design of the 2,200-ton warship to you for review. If you can approve it, then we will place an order for two ships first and upgrade later. We will wait until later. If you feel it is not suitable now, then we will submit a new design plan. By the way, this model will be left with you for now."
This kind of warship purchase is not about buying cabbage. Lao Ba’s pocket is not rich, so he has always been very cautious. It must be discussed for a period of time before the order can be officially placed.
Even if this first contact was over, Wang Hongmin became anxious in the car returning to the hotel.
“Mr. Qin, would you accept the improvement plan?”
“Looking at Lao Ba’s pocket, I don’t think they will accept it.”
“You won’t accept it? Then at this price, wouldn’t we make no profit?”
"No, you can make a lot at this price." Qin Tao said: "If I guessed correctly, the exchange rate will skyrocket in the next period of time. Think about it, if the exchange rate becomes 8.6, or 8.8, you How much can you earn?”
It is only May and the exchange rate is still around 5.5. However, by June, the exchange rate will soar rapidly!
In fact, in the past few years, the exchange rate has long been unstable. This official exchange rate can only be used by the government. If someone wants to exchange privately, go to the bank and exchange a large amount at this exchange rate, then **** it. .
On the streets of big cities, especially outside the embassy, you will occasionally meet people and ask quietly, "Do you want Meiko?" The exchange ratio in people's mouths is the real exchange rate.
To use an analogy, this is equivalent to the canteens in some institutions. The steamed buns outside are sold for one yuan each, while the steamed buns inside are priced at ten cents each, and are twice as big as those outside.
This is of course subsidized.
So, some people try their best to sell the steamed buns in the canteen on the market. This way they can make a lot of money. (In 2022, it seems that some people are still doing this, and then they were fired.)
Changes are necessary. Canteens within the system must also start to operate in a market-oriented manner, with the same price as outside.
In the 1990s, various places were intensifying the pace of reforms and bank loans were increasing, causing the economy to overheat. As a result, the exchange rate began to soar.
By June, things were completely out of control. Countless people withdrew their savings and exchanged them for dollars on the black market. The exchange rate was even as high as over 10!
In July, the central bank took action and dumped 60 million US dollars in a big way. At the same time, the interest rate on deposits was increased. The interest rate in one year was more than 10%. If you deposit 10,000, you can get 11,000 in one year!
In this way, the exchange rate finally stabilized at around 8. This is the official exchange rate.
The increase in the exchange rate is not conducive to exports. The increase in the exchange rate leads to the devaluation of the RMB, which then attracts a large amount of foreign capital to invest in the Chinese market, promotes the development of the Chinese economy, and avoids the 1997 financial crisis.
However, this must be after the rise.
What if the price is determined now?
Now it has been confirmed with Lao Ba that 36 million U.S. dollars, based on the exchange rate of 5.5, is 200 million RMB. In a few months, the exchange rate will stabilize to 8, which means that when converted into RMB, it is almost Three hundred million.
In this way, you can earn almost half of the money from this transaction!
Of course, the premise is that all subsystems on the warship are produced domestically. If they are imported, they will be dumbfounded. Therefore, if they want to use diesel engines imported from Germany, Qin Tao directly adds 30 million US dollars. In this way, even if Even if the exchange rate reaches ten, they can still make money.
(The Hero of East China does not understand economics, and after researching for a long time, he decided to start this way. Before the exchange rate rises, he determines the price in US dollars, and then produces everything by himself. This is supposed to make money, right? If the Hero of East China analyzed No, you can’t make money by doing this, so just think of it as opening up the market, and you can export more warships in the future.)
"Next, Lao Ba may also request an inspection. At that time, we can take them to see the 052 destroyer that is under construction in our country, and also to see our 051 destroyer that has been modified with Sea Sidewinder missiles. They should be satisfied with us. Designed." Qin Tao said: "We got orders from the British, there is no big problem."
When he was fooling Lao Ba just now, Qin Tao made it clear that there was no need to buy the six backward Type 21 ships, and the funds could be used to buy brand new frigates made in China, with air defense, anti-ship, and anti-submarine capabilities. , should be their most suitable choice.
Wang Hongmin nodded: "Mr. Qin, your perspective on the problem is much higher than ours. We have never thought about it from the perspective of exchange rate. In this case, we can still make a lot of money. Thank you!"
Zheng Ming in the car frowned, as if he thought of something else.
“Old Zheng, what are you worried about?” Wang Hongmin also saw Zheng Ming’s sadness.
“I remember that we introduced Seasidewinder missile technology for our own use, right? The French did not give us the right to export.”
So that’s what I was worried about!
Qin Tao smiled: "What's so difficult about this? It doesn't matter if the white horse is not a horse. The ones we use domestically are Haihongqi-7, and the ones we export have separate numbers. They are developed by us and shared by the French." Sea rattlesnakes don’t matter.”
Wang Hongmin smiled: "Yes, Mr. Qin is right!"
From Qin Tao's point of view, the problem he is currently struggling with is not a problem at all. He just needs to change the number.
As a result, Haihongqi-7 transformed into the famous FM-80.
Two days later, the Pakistani Navy finally made a decision: to go on an on-site inspection and request to see the 052 destroyer. Faced with the request of his old friends, Zheng Ming immediately agreed without hesitation and took them back to his motherland.
Qin Tao separated from them and quietly went westward and entered the Parthian Kingdom.
Near Bandar Abbas Port.
"The geological conditions here are much better than those over there! It is very suitable to build a shipyard here." Kong Laoer's face was full of smiles: "Our geological experts have completed all surveys and designs. This is Our design proposal.”
Even though Mr. Qin is not here, they cannot delay their work. Kong Laoer and a group of people have already arrived first. A large number of workers and production equipment will come by boat, which will be later.
At this time, Qasim, who came here specially, took over the thick design plan and was very excited: "I believe Qin's men, since you have completed the design, let's start construction!"
This was probably the most eloquent customer, and Kong Laoer felt very happy. Their design plan was rushed out, and there were still many omissions in it. However, the person in front of him did not have the slightest doubt. Without even looking at it, I directly asked them to construct according to this plan. How much trust is this!
Kong Laoer nodded: "Okay, then we will start work as soon as our workers and equipment arrive."
“Of course, we will start construction immediately, and we will also transfer the first batch of 200 million funds into your account.”
Kong Laoer was shocked in his heart. This money was so profitable. Even if they paid ten times the wages to overseas workers, and even if they had to purchase a large amount of equipment, they could still earn 70% to 80% of the entire project. profit.
Working abroad is so exciting.
While he was sighing, a car drove over from a distance and came directly towards them.
Has any big shot come again?
Kong Laoer stopped and watched, watching the car coming down and the people in the car, with surprise on his face: "Mr. Qin?"
“Kasim, my friend, how is the project going?” Qin Tao had a smile on his face.
Qin Tao was also very excited to set foot in Bandar Abbas Port again.
“The survey has ended, and the next step is construction. Now, I am looking forward to it day and night, and I am looking forward to starting the construction as soon as possible.”
"Yes, we also hope to start construction as soon as possible. By the way, there is another cargo ship from the Far East that will also arrive at the port within the next few days." Qin Tao said: "There is another cargo ship we talked about last time. A deal.”
Kasim’s heart beat violently.
"Old Kong, how is the living situation here? As the vanguard, you must lay a good foundation for the subsequent personnel." Qin Tao has changed the topic and started chatting with Kong Laoer.
"We have already considered the issue of accommodation. Mr. Qin, have you seen it? There is a row of containers over there. Those were abandoned at the port and were sent to us. They can be used as staff dormitories while we are away from home. , don’t be too particular about it, just shelter from wind and rain. As for food, when our large army comes, there will be special cooks to cook by ourselves. I eat grilled fish for several days in a row. I am really tired of it. People here cook. , is far less delicious than what we make ourselves, and that naan tastes... the caviar is pretty good, it would be nice if there was wine."
Kong Laoer talked a lot about eating, drinking, and eating. When he heard him talking about wine, Qin Tao looked at Kasim and said, "Mr. Kasim, we workers from the east, It shouldn’t be a problem to drink here, right?”
"Of course, you are guests and do not have our faith." Qasim said: "As long as you drink here, there will be no problem."
When Chinese workers come to help them build shipyards, of course they must respect their eating habits. They don’t let people in their own country drink, but they certainly can’t stop people from all over the world!
“Thank you, hey, there seems to be someone over there? Lao Kong, he doesn’t look like one of us, does he?”
Kasim looked in the direction of Qin Tao's finger, and his expression suddenly changed: "Quick, Alberts, take people to catch that American spy immediately!"
Although Kong Laoer led the vanguard of dozens of people, they were all Orientals and wore work clothes from Mingzhou Shipyard. The tall guy in cowboy clothes in the distance was definitely not from our side. People!
And Qasim was sure at a glance that he was an American spy!
Soon, a guy with a bruised nose and swollen face was brought over. He was staggering away while being pushed by several guardsmen, while shouting loudly.
"What are you doing? What are you doing? I am Edward, the crew member of the Green tanker! I was just bored and walking around while the tanker was loading. Then I got lost in your port and entered here by mistake. I have no ill intentions. , I mean no harm!" Edward was protesting, and then, the **** of a gun was hit **** his back.
"You are an American spy. I can already smell the smell of a lackey in you!" Alberts kicked him hard again.
One speaks English and the other speaks Parthian Mandarin. The conversation between the two can actually be continued, which is considered interesting.
“Kneel down!” After escorting Edward to Cassim, Alberts kicked Edward’s knees, so that the tall Westerner knelt on the ground.
“Have you searched?” Qasim asked.
If this Westerner has any spy equipment on his body, such as a camera, then this guy will have to be imprisoned for many years even if he does not die.
Alberts shook his head: "No."
Edward was very aggrieved: "I have no ill intentions, please let me go."
Qin Tao walked over, looked this guy up and down, and then fixed his eyes on the extra-large button on the trousers of his jeans.
Qin Tao pulled out the bayonet hanging from the waist of a guard soldier, and then walked towards Edward.
Edward's eyes showed fear.
“What are you going to do? What are you doing? You can’t do this!”
The sword was shining brightly, and even Kong Laoer was shocked. Is Mr. Qin so tough abroad? If this knife penetrated, the intestines and other things would probably flow out.
Wow!
Edward's pants fell down, revealing his underwear with cartoon patterns underneath. The people around him burst into laughter.
Edward was shocked: "No, no, you can't do this, I will sue you internationally!"
Qin Tao already had an extra button in his hand. He held it up and said, "Really? I'm so scared!"
Kasim's eyes were twinkling. Apparently, he had guessed the truth of the matter. Mr. Qin was definitely not trying to take off Edward's pants, but for the button!
“If electronic technology develops in a few more years, pinhole cameras will be smaller and can even be placed directly in glasses. By then, it will be easier to engage in intelligence work.” Qin Tao played with the buttons and said to Edward opposite.
"I do not understand what you're saying."
“Don’t understand? Let’s take a look.” Qin Tao said, inserting the bayonet into the gap on the side of the button, and then there was a click.
The button turned into two halves, and something fell out of it. Although it was very small, you could see that it was definitely an electronic component!
“Qin, you are so awesome.” Kasim sighed and said, “Now, take this guy away for interrogation!”
“I don’t know, I don’t know anything about these pants. I bought them in Europe, you...”
As the voice faded away, Qin Tao added: "Be careful of this person committing suicide or being killed by him. If he dies, he will bring you trouble."
After all, this is not a secret military base, and construction has not even begun. The guy will definitely suffer, but he will definitely be let go in the end.
If it dies, then once the West makes a fuss about it, it will be in big trouble.
“We know, we won’t let him die.” Qasim said: “Qin, how did you know there was something wrong with the button?”
How do I know? Of course, in my previous life, I occasionally learned that this button-shaped pinhole camera was once a secret equipment of the CIA, and was later slowly declassified.
After all, the development of technology is quite rapid.
In the previous film era, it was difficult to make such a small spy camera. However, in 1975, the digital camera was invented. Although the high price made it truly practical in the 1990s, , in the hands of spies, it has already begun to shine.
In the 1990s, pinhole cameras could be inserted into buttons, but large buttons were needed because the electronic system was still too large. After another twenty years of evolution, it would be completely mature. Install it anywhere casually, making it difficult to detect.
“We have just begun preparations for construction here, and the West has begun to pay attention.” Qin Tao said: “The security work here is very important.”
"Qin, this is our negligence. From now on, this place will be strictly guarded. This kind of thing will not happen again." Kasim said.
If construction officially starts, of course no random people can wander in. It's okay to just take a few photos, but what if they come to install bombs?
Qin Tao looked around. For some reason, he always felt that there was a pair of eyes staring at him.
This is the first time for him.
(End of this chapter)