Nominal: Starting with an entrance exam for a PhD in Economics at Peking University

"Changed from Category A to Category B".

The meeting room fell silent for a moment.

Those present are all seasoned veterans and understand what this means—the province will fully support Category A projects, while Category B projects will have to rely on the local governments themselves, with far fewer provincial resources and policy support.

Qi Tongwei didn't express his opinion, but simply nodded: "Continue."

The meeting lasted for two and a half hours, with one topic after another, each involving billions or even tens of billions of yuan, affecting the employment of tens of thousands of people, and impacting the economic direction of the entire province.

Qi Tongwei hosted the event with great ease.

Make decisions when necessary, allow for discussion when appropriate, and clearly inform others when it's time to postpone to the next meeting.

When the meeting adjourned, he kept Sun Zhengqing, the director of the National Development and Reform Commission, behind: "Director Sun, whose opinion was it that the Guangmingfeng project was downgraded in priority?"

Sun Zhengqing glanced at him and said cautiously, "It is... the result of comprehensive consideration, the opinion after consultation among several departments including the National Development and Reform Commission, the Department of Finance, and the Department of Natural Resources."

"I haven't heard of this consultation," Qi Tongwei said.

"It was...it was a special meeting last month, mainly a discussion on technical aspects."

"A technical issue?" Qi Tongwei chuckled. "Director Sun, is the priority adjustment of the 280 billion yuan project due to a technical problem?"

Sun Zhengqing fell silent.

Qi Tongwei patted him on the shoulder: "I understand, you are just following the procedures, but this adjustment should not be issued for the time being. Let me communicate with Secretary Sha first."

"Okay, Governor Qi."

They're all smart people.

Even though he hadn't said anything, his sensible subordinate had already handed him a knife.

That's why power is so captivating; it's a pleasure that nothing else can provide.

10:30 a.m., Qi Tongwei's office

The executive meeting had just ended when the secretary came in to report: "Province Qi, the Party Secretary of Binhai City is outside. He said he's here to report on the port expansion project."

Qi Tongwei glanced at his watch and nodded: "Let him in."

The Party Secretary of Binhai City is surnamed Qian, is in his early fifties, and has been working in Binhai for three years. He came here this time to obtain approval for the port expansion project.

“Provincial Governor, hello,” Secretary Qian said as he entered, his attitude very respectful. “I apologize for bothering you, but the main issue is the port expansion project. Our city has been preparing for it for two years, but we are currently stuck on land acquisition. We would like to ask the provincial government for help in coordinating this.”

Qi Tongwei gestured for him to sit down: "What specific problem is it?"

"The main issue is the compensation standards. The villagers are asking for quite a lot, but our city's financial resources are limited. We would like to apply for some support from the provincial finance department."

After listening, Qi Tongwei nodded: "I know about this. I'll go to the port this afternoon to see for myself, and then we'll decide. But Secretary Qian, Binhai has developed quite well in the past two years, and the port's throughput has increased, but has urban construction and people's livelihood protection kept up?"

Secretary Qian paused for a moment, then said, "We are also working on it, but there is indeed still a gap."

"Ports are part of the economy, but people's lives are also part of the economy," Qi Tongwei said. "Don't just focus on big projects. Infrastructure, education, healthcare, and environmental governance should all be promoted simultaneously. We can't favor one over the other."

"Yes, Governor Qi is right. We will definitely get back and make the effort as soon as possible."

After Secretary Qian left, the secretary came in and whispered, "Provincial Governor Qi, Director Kong of the Provincial Department of Transportation is waiting outside. He said he has something urgent to report."

Qi Tongwei glanced at his watch and nodded: "Let him in, ten minutes."

At 11:00 AM, in the corridor outside the VIP lounge of the provincial government building.

As Qi Tongwei walked toward the VIP room, he saw two people standing in the corridor: Ma Xiangdong, the vice chairman of the provincial CPPCC, and Zhang Haijun, the mayor of Lincheng.

The two men saw him and immediately came to greet him.

“Provincial Governor Qi,” Ma Xiangdong said with a smile, “I happen to run into you and have something I’d like to report to you.”

Qi Tongwei stopped in his tracks: "Ma Zhuxi, what is it?"

"Here's the thing, our association is currently conducting research on the business environment across the province, and we would like to ask the provincial government for their cooperation in providing some data and case studies."

“No problem,” Qi Tongwei said. “You just need to contact the General Office, and they will cooperate.”

“Okay, thank you, Governor Qi.” Ma Xiangdong paused for a moment, then continued, “Also, Governor Qi, my nephew works at the Provincial Development and Reform Commission. He’s been involved in quite a few projects these past few years and has done a pretty good job. If you have time, could you perhaps have him give you a briefing…”

Qi Tongwei glanced at him and smiled: "Ma Zhuxi, this matter is not under my jurisdiction. You should contact the organization department."

"Yes, yes, I was just saying it offhand." Ma Xiangdong was a little embarrassed, but still smiled.

Qi Tongwei then said, "I will have Director Sun Zhengqing pay close attention to this. Next time I go to the National Development and Reform Commission for an office meeting or symposium, I will talk to him about it."

Ma Xiangdong was overjoyed: "Okay, I thank Governor Qi on behalf of my nephew, thank you."

Ma Xiangdong is one of the most powerful local factions. Although he has stepped down to the second line and his influence is not as great as that of the Han University gang and the Secretary gang, he should not be underestimated.

Although this level of power could no longer affect Qi Tongwei, he still maintained goodwill.

He knew Ma Xiangdong's nephew; he was the director of the planning department at the provincial development and reform commission, and quite capable. He had initially planned to agree, but what is easily obtained is rarely cherished, so Qi Tongwei pretended to refuse first.

He didn't deliberately plan such a small thing, but his many years in politics had instilled this instinct in him.

He subconsciously sought to extract the greatest profit from every transaction.

Even if this small benefit is insignificant to him.

Zhang Haijun waited for a while, and only stepped forward after Ma Xiangdong finished speaking: "Provincial Governor Qi, Lincheng is currently applying for national-level economic and technological development zone status and needs the support of the province. Do you think you can help coordinate this?"

“I know about this,” Qi Tongwei said. “The National Development and Reform Commission is going through the procedures. Lincheng should prepare all the materials and try to get what it deserves.”

"Okay, thank you, Governor Qi." After saying that, Zhang Haijun added, "Governor Qi, when would you be free to come to Lincheng to give us some guidance?"

Qi Tongwei didn't answer immediately, but simply nodded: "There might be a chance."

12:30 PM, Provincial Government VIP Room

The working lunch was more relaxed than the meeting room, but the conversation was still about work.

The entrepreneur from Shenzhen, surnamed Wang, is in his forties and is shrewd and capable. His company is a leader in the new energy industry, with a market value of over 100 billion yuan.

Qi Tongwei was responsible for the specific coordination.

President Wang stood up, raised his glass, and said, "Provincial Governor Qi, we felt the sincerity of the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government during our visit to Handong. Our company's board of directors has already studied the New Energy Industrial Park project and is willing to participate as a strategic investor, with an initial plan to invest 80 billion yuan."

Qi Tongwei smiled and said, "President Wang has good judgment. The business environment in Handong has improved a lot in recent years. Investing in Handong has broad prospects."

President Wang looked at Qi Tongwei: "However, there are a few specific issues I would like to ask about in Qi Province: one is land prices, another is tax incentives, and the third is industrial support."

Qi Tongwei put down his chopsticks and said seriously, "President Wang, regarding the land price, we follow the provincial government's regulations, allowing for flexible transfer of industrial land with preferential prices. The specific discount can be discussed on a case-by-case basis. As for tax incentives, Handong currently has special support policies for the new energy industry, exempting the local share of corporate income tax for the first three years and reducing it by half for the following three years. Regarding industrial support, the Binhai Municipal Government will establish a special team to provide services, ensuring that water, electricity, gas, roads, and communications are all in place."

“In addition,” Qi Tongwei continued, “if Mr. Wang’s company is willing to place its R&D center in Handong as well, we can provide additional support in terms of talent recruitment and research funding subsidies.”

After listening, President Wang nodded in satisfaction: "Provincial Governor Qi has considered this very thoroughly. I will convene a board meeting as soon as possible to discuss it after I return."

Qi Tongwei raised his glass: "Then let's wish each other success in our cooperation."

The people accompanying them at the table clinked glasses, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Halfway through the meal, Mr. Wang's secretary came over and whispered a few words in his ear.

After listening, General Manager Wang looked at Qi Tongwei and said, "Provincial Governor Qi, our company has several industrial park projects across the country, all of which are in cooperation with local governments. I personally think that leaders like Provincial Governor Qi, who understand both economics and policy, are extremely rare. If Provincial Governor Qi has the opportunity to work in Beijing in the future, our company will definitely give our full support."

This is a clever way of putting it; it's a compliment, a test, and also an investment.

Qi Tongwei smiled and said, "Mr. Wang, you flatter me. Right now, I just want to do a good job with the Handong project. I haven't thought about anything else."

"Provincial Governor Qi is too modest," said General Manager Wang.

2 PM, Provincial Government Office Building

After lunch, Qi Tongwei returned to his office to prepare materials for his port research trip. His secretary came in to report, "Provincial Governor Qi, the chairman of Handong Construction Group is outside. He wants to visit you and has important matters to report."

Qi Tongwei glanced at the time: "I have to leave for the port at 2:30, I only have 20 minutes."

“I told him, and he said twenty minutes would be enough.”

"Let him in."

The chairman of Handong Construction Group is surnamed Li. He is in his early sixties and is the head of a provincial state-owned enterprise, in charge of engineering projects worth tens of billions of yuan.

"Provincial Governor Qi, excuse me for disturbing you," Chairman Li said as he entered, his attitude very polite. "There's something I'd like to report to you."

Qi Tongwei gestured for him to sit down: "Chairman Li, what is it?"

"Here's the thing, our group has recently been bidding on several key provincial projects, one of which is a supporting project for the Guangming Peak project. But we heard that the Guangming Peak project has been downgraded in priority by the province, and we're a bit unsure about it. We'd like to hear your opinion."

Qi Tongwei looked at him, paused for a moment, and then said, "The adjustment of the Guangmingfeng project is based on the overall consideration of the province's industrial layout. The specific priorities are still under study. But Chairman Li, as a provincial state-owned enterprise, it is only right for your group to participate in the construction of key projects. Regardless of whether the project is Category A or Category B, as long as it is approved by the province, it must be completed with high quality and quantity."

“Yes, yes, Governor Qi is right.” Chairman Li nodded repeatedly, then added, “Furthermore, Governor Qi, our group has been doing well these past few years, and we'd like to expand into some businesses outside the province with the support of the provincial government. What do you think…”

“This is something we can consider,” Qi Tongwei said, “but we need to conduct a thorough risk assessment and avoid blind expansion. You should come up with a plan and submit it to the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) first. Once it’s approved, we’ll hold a meeting to discuss it.”

"Okay, thank you, Governor Qi."

As Chairman Li was leaving, he took out an exquisite box from his bag and placed it on the table: "Provincial Governor Qi, this is a tea project that our group has recently developed. This is a sample; please try it."

Qi Tongwei glanced at the box, didn't touch it, and calmly said, "Chairman Li, I can't accept this. You can take it back."

"Qi Province, it's all tea, it's not worth much..."

“Chairman Li,” Qi Tongwei interrupted him, “rules are rules, take them back.”

Chairman Li was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and took the box back: "Yes, yes, it was my oversight."

After Chairman Li left, the secretary came in and whispered, "Provincial Governor Qi, this is the third person to deliver something today. This morning, Director Sun's secretary from the Development and Reform Commission delivered a box of local specialties, saying they were from Director Sun's hometown; Mayor Zhang's secretary from Lincheng delivered a calligraphy and painting, saying it was written by Mayor Zhang himself."

“Return them all,” Qi Tongwei said. “From now on, we will not accept any more gifts from anyone.”

"Ok."

Qi Tongwei stood up, picked up his coat, and said, "Let's go to the port."

3:30 PM, Binhai Port

When Qi Tongwei's convoy arrived at the port, the leadership teams of Binhai City and the Provincial Port Group were already waiting at the entrance.

The port is huge, stretching as far as the eye can see. Containers are piled up like small mountains, cranes stand tall, and in the distance, several cargo ships are docking at the port.

The chairman of the port group accompanied Qi Tongwei inside, introducing the port as they walked: "Provincial Governor Qi, our port's throughput exceeded 5000 million tons last year, ranking 18th among coastal ports nationwide. If the expansion project can be implemented this year, the throughput can increase by another 2000 million tons."

"How is the expansion project progressing?" Qi Tongwei asked.

"We're stuck on land acquisition," the chairman said, looking somewhat troubled. "The expansion requires an additional 1200 mu of land, but 300 mu of it involves several villages in the suburbs of Binhai City. The villagers are unwilling to relocate, and we can't agree on the compensation standards."

Qi Tongwei stopped in his tracks: "What is the compensation standard?"

“We set the price at 40 yuan per mu according to the province’s unified standard, but the villagers want 50 yuan.”