America: My Time

Chapter 1138 Win-Win Cooperation

Chapter 1128 Win-Win Cooperation
At this moment, the Chinese group all wore wry smiles. They hadn't expected John to propose such a crazy plan at this time, especially since he had a well-reasoned explanation. However, it was not something they could control.

“Mr. John, do you have a detailed plan? We can submit it. As for whether we can cooperate, that’s not something we can decide!” Although they knew how powerful Asia Energy was before meeting John, building such an astonishing oil pipeline was no simple task. Moreover, it was clear that the other party had already smoothed things over with the Kazakhstani officials; now only China’s decision was pending!

“Yes, I have already prepared it for you all!” John said, handing over the prepared plan to the other party.

Although John wasn't entirely confident in this audacious plan, he believed China could make the right decision. After all, these predecessors had a keen eye for development, and energy was a crucial issue for China. Previously an oil exporter, China was now an oil importer, and the volume was steadily increasing. Even with the presence of Asian energy resources, it was impossible to control the situation. National development is inseparable from energy, hence John's ambitious plan.

Why did Kazakhstan accept this, and why did Turkmenistan also accept it? The reason is simple: mutual benefit. This project can be utilized, which will greatly boost both countries. Not only is the demand for steel huge, but also for labor and other resources, which will greatly promote their economic development. In addition, there is much lobbying from Asian energy companies.

Turkmenistan has abundant oil and gas resources, and their cooperation with Russia is not ideal. This gives John more opportunities. As long as his oil pipeline is completed, everything will be fine. Under the lure of profit, no one can refuse such a condition. However, there is a prerequisite: China needs to agree to build an oil pipeline that spans east and west.

Although they left with heavy hearts, China soon began to explore the feasibility of the project, how much funding would be needed to promote it, and how much benefit the project would bring to China's own development.

Time was passing by. There were no problems with the cooperation on the Kashagan oil field in China. However, as John said, you can extract the oil, but transporting it is fraught with difficulties. Sea freight is too expensive and carries many risks. In comparison, an oil pipeline is the most suitable option.

Not only was John's proposal carefully studied, but his dialogue was also interpreted one by one. Although everyone knew that John was very confident in China's economic development and had made many investments, this plan was quite crazy. However, if it was completed, all the problems that constrained Asia's energy would be solved.

Asian Energy's refineries are designed with three phases, but the second phase is not even fully completed. This isn't due to funding or technology issues, but rather energy and market problems. Asian Energy's own oil fields cannot meet their production needs, and the company's ongoing crude oil reserves further exacerbate the situation, preventing many projects from continuing.

China is aware of Asia Energy's situation in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. After the collapse of Russia, Asia Energy was among the first to acquire numerous projects from them. It can be said that Asia Energy controls a huge amount of resource reserves in these two countries, and now all that is missing is a transportation route.

Although Russia has the ability to help with sales, it also needs to make money itself, so the development of both countries is naturally limited. Now that John has proposed such a crazy plan, how could they refuse? Now everything is just a matter of China's side. They are just waiting for China's approval before they can start construction.

"Experts, can we accept Asia Energy's proposal? What are the benefits for us in doing so? And will such cooperation have any negative impact on us?"

"Sir, based on their plan, we don't seem to be in any real danger. In the short term, the benefits aren't significant, but in the long run, it will greatly reduce our energy pressure. After all, our development is so rapid, and our energy demand is constantly increasing—they're not wrong about that. However, it's not entirely without drawbacks. We'll face significant financial pressure. Even with a joint venture, if we want to take the initiative and be in control, the domestic investment will be substantial, and the overseas portion won't be under our control!"

"It's true that foreign oil pipelines are not under our control, and even oil and gas fields are not under our control, but that's not the problem. What we need to discuss now is whether it will affect our own development?"

"There will certainly be an impact, but it's hard to say whether the project will succeed. However, if it is completed, Asian Energy can indeed break free from the influence of Middle Eastern oil fields and even achieve self-sufficiency. Asian Energy has invested heavily there, at least from what we understand. It will also benefit us, accelerating development in the west and potentially solving the western region's energy problems. After all, Asian Energy's plan is to build one east-west oil pipeline, while the other side plans two, showing that Asian Energy has given it much more consideration." The expert paused here, seemingly hesitant, but didn't continue. His gesture was noticed by the leader, who smiled calmly and said, "Don't have any concerns. Speak your mind. We're just discussing the pros and cons; all worries can be put aside!"

"Actually, if possible, we can take this opportunity to build the main pipeline in the west. Although it will cost a lot of money, it will be more beneficial in the long run. The other party has put a good point about the investment. The funds required for construction now will not be too large, but the cost of building it later will be much higher."

"So, your expert group believes this project is feasible and has no problems?"

"Yes, we believe it's feasible. It will drive the development of our steel industry and further promote economic growth!"

John was quickly informed that the plan had been approved. Now, the issue of arranging negotiations needed to be addressed, but John would not be involved in this matter. The person who would be on the scene now was Asian Energy, not John, the big boss who was hiding behind the scenes.

"Mr. John doesn't seem surprised by our decision. Did you expect us to agree to this project?" The person who came was somewhat surprised by John's indifference. Such a big project would require long meetings and discussions even for top leaders, but this young man didn't seem to care much, which made him curious.

"Of course, before making this proposal, I would definitely have a good understanding of the situation in China. Otherwise, how could I dare to invest in such a large project? From a profit perspective, this is a win-win situation. I can't think of any reason why you would refuse. If it's just a matter of financial pressure, I believe that's not a problem at all. Moreover, this project can promote the development of steel companies. From a strategic perspective, it goes without saying that energy is very important to any country and needs to be prepared. China is no exception. The reason why Asia Energy is doing this is to stabilize its own energy structure and not be affected by the Middle East."

"Mr. John doesn't seem optimistic about the development there, which is completely different from the information we have!"

"It's not that we're pessimistic, but we can't let our energy needs be entirely controlled by others. Asia's energy needs should be self-sufficient, not be held hostage by others. If Asia's energy supply is disrupted at a critical moment, the entire industrial chain will be in crisis. Even if we have a good relationship with Middle Eastern tycoons, we still need to be prepared."

"I see. No wonder Mr. John's business is so big. You always make thorough preparations!"

"There's no other way. After all, I have quite a few enemies, and the Europeans are full of malice towards me. I don't want to follow in the footsteps of Fokker and ASML. I've learned my lesson once, but I can't let it happen again. Once this big plan is completed, our petrochemical plants in China will no longer be subject to others and will all have enough energy."

“Mr. John is right, but this time we need to make some changes to the plan. We need to expand the layout of the East-West pipeline, and we also need more energy!”

“Asian energy is not a problem, so how could I refuse such a win-win situation!” John agreed to the other party’s proposal without hesitation. John did not believe he had the ability to refuse, and even if he did, he could not say so, since such a plan was not something he could interfere with!
As a businessman, John only cares about profits and won't do anything else. After all, it's not something he should do. Only a fool would do something so stupid. Just like his investments in China, as long as those joint ventures are not under his control, he will only supervise and share the profits, and will not participate in anything else.

John isn't stupid. He wouldn't be like those investors, acting all high and mighty and offending Chinese officials. He knows that China will be an investment paradise in the future. If he really offends people, he won't get a share of any good projects in the future. Knowing how amazing China's development is, it would be too foolish to do such a disgusting thing. John wouldn't do that!

(End of this chapter)