Daming: Dad, you are really not good at governing the country

Chapter 395: We can’t just knock down all the legal jewelers and craftsmen.
In the palace city in the tenth year of Hongwu, there was a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

Zhu Yuanzhang was sitting on the dragon throne, his eyes deep and revealing an aura of majesty without even being angry.

Zhu Gang stood respectfully aside with a confident smile on his face, as if he had some brilliant idea in his mind.

He bowed slightly and said to Zhu Yuanzhang with a smile: "Father, I want to tell you today about the Comprehensive Policy Plan for Governance and Support of the Jewelry Industry. You must listen carefully."

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, his eyes, which were already full of shrewdness, suddenly lit up, as if he had seen some rare treasure.

He immediately perked up and said quickly, "Okay, Third Brother, tell me quickly, we are very curious."

Zhu Gang's expression became more serious and he bowed slightly again.

Then he cleared his throat and said, "Father, the policy goal of this plan is of utmost importance.

We must restrict the rampant spread of luxury in the jewelry industry, but we cannot simply knock down all the compliant merchants and craftsmen. We must give them certain support.

We must ensure that the jewelry industry can develop healthily and sustainably.

It will achieve a win-win situation by controlling the trend of extravagance and protecting those who make a living from this industry.”

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly after hearing this. He crossed his hands habitually in front of him, thought for a moment and asked, "Third brother, your idea is good, but what are the specific policies and measures?

"Talking without practice is just a lie. Please explain in detail."

Zhu Gang took a deep breath, as if he wanted to take out the entire plan in his mind.

He replied seriously, "Father, there are quite a few specific policies and measures.

This includes support policies for merchants who comply with regulations and produce simple jewelry, as well as support and development policies specifically for craftsmen.

What is even more indispensable is the supervision and evaluation mechanism. These three are indispensable.

Father, let me first tell you about the support policies for businesses."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and responded simply.

"Okay, third brother, go on."

Zhu Gang's expression was very serious, but he spoke clearly and methodically.

He said slowly: "Father, regarding the tax incentive policy, we need to set up special tax reduction and exemption standards.

For example, for those merchants who produce and sell simple jewelry and whose total products account for more than 50% each year, they will be given a preferential policy of 30% reduction in income tax.

The amount of tax reduction or exemption is calculated based on the actual amount of corporate income tax paid by the merchant in the previous year.

You can apply for review once a year, which will make management easier, right?
In order to make it more convenient for businesses that enjoy preferential policies, we also have to simplify the tax declaration process.

The tax department should set up a fast-track declaration channel specifically for them and simplify the requirements for relevant declaration materials.

We should try to reduce unnecessary review steps as much as possible, so that they can focus more on their business.”

Zhu Yuanzhang listened attentively, and after Zhu Gang finished speaking, he continued to ask, "Well, this tax incentive is indeed real.

What about financial incentives?

Third brother, tell us about it as well."

Zhu Gang crossed his arms, thought for a moment, and then said, "Father, there are several financial incentive policies.

Let’s talk about the quality and innovation awards first. Every year we have to organize a simple jewelry product selection event and set up different awards, such as the Best Design Award and the Best Quality Award.

Those winning businesses should be given financial incentives to let them know that it is beneficial to make good products.

There is also a market expansion reward for merchants who have opened more than three new sales channels within the year and whose sales of simple jewelry products amount to more than 3 taels of silver.

We have to give them a one-time market expansion bonus to encourage them to expand their business." Zhu Yuanzhang raised his head slightly, as if thinking about the feasibility of this policy, and then asked: "Third brother, what about the support policy for craftsmen?

These craftsmen are the backbone of this industry and cannot be ignored."

Zhu Gang straightened up and continued, "Father, you are right.

The support policies for craftsmen mainly include organizing skills training and employment promotion policies.

Let’s talk about organizing skills training first. The court can set up special training funds to provide training for craftsmen.

A comprehensive training course system must also be developed, which not only provides free training but also has a subsidy mechanism.

Allow craftsmen to learn skills and improve their level with peace of mind.

As for employment promotion policies, we need to establish a talent pool of craftsmen and register all skilled craftsmen.

Then we will establish a job recommendation and subsidy mechanism to help these jewelry craftsmen find jobs and also allow them to earn more money.”

Zhu Yuanzhang paced back and forth in the hall with his hands behind his back.

He pondered the entire policy as he walked, and then asked, “Old Three, what is the supervision and evaluation mechanism?
If this policy is to be implemented, it cannot be done without supervision and evaluation.”

Zhu Gang quickly cupped his hands and said, "Father, I have naturally arranged the supervision and evaluation mechanism properly.

The imperial court takes the lead in establishing a regulatory group, which is a joint regulatory group composed of personnel from relevant institutions such as the market supervision department, tax department, and industry associations.

The joint supervision team is mainly responsible for inspecting the production and operation conditions of merchants in the jewelry industry.

At the same time, the five departments of the Ministry of Commerce established an evaluation system and set up quantitative evaluation indicators.

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of policy implementation every six months.

Adjust the policy based on the results of the evaluation to ensure that it can always adapt to the development and changes of the industry."

Outside the palace, the jewelry industry was in turmoil because of the previous "Jewelry Industry Tax Adjustment and Consumption Control Plan."

Take Mr. Song for example, his experience is not an isolated case.

Many jewelry merchants have fallen into difficulties under the impact of this policy.

Everyone in Linfen knew that Mr. Song was an honest businessman.

After years of hard work, he has become somewhat famous in the jewelry industry.

But now that this policy has come into effect, profit margins have been greatly compressed and it is very difficult to recover funds.

The operating costs increased a lot in a flash, and the business was becoming increasingly difficult. Many stores were facing the risk of closing down.

On this day, some jewelers decided to unite.

They gathered in a guild hall in Linfen. The atmosphere in the hall was very solemn.

The light in the guild hall was dim, with only a few oil lamps flickering with faint light in the corners.

The light barely illuminated the small space, and it seemed like it would be swallowed up by the darkness at any time.

There was a depressing atmosphere in the air, as if even the light was suppressed and unable to burn freely.

The jewelers sat around a few shabby tables, all with solemn expressions and anger and helplessness in their eyes.

An older businessman with graying hair.

He said indignantly: "This policy is simply going to kill us!"

(End of this chapter)