「Because agricultural goods are low-priced, you haven’t really handled them as trade products before, have you?」
I confirmed this with him.
I had already investigated Corvim Shipping and knew they didn’t deal in low-margin goods.
Vazel nodded.
「That’s right. Which is why we’ve mainly focused on exporting high-priced items like fine furnishings and ornaments.」
「It’s not just about river transport. Long-distance trade is generally more profitable when dealing with high-value goods.」
「Exactly. If we were to handle agricultural products, it would require large-scale shipping. But with the current level of agricultural production in Bernada, I doubt that’s feasible…」
Vazel voiced his concern.
I gave a calm smile and looked him in the eyes.
「Actually, I plan to carry out a large-scale land reclamation project across the country soon.」
「Land reclamation…?」
Vazel’s brow twitched.
「Yes. Bernada still has vast amounts of undeveloped land. I intend to turn that land into farmland through an extensive cultivation initiative.」
I spread a map across the table.
Vazel leaned forward with interest.
The map marked large plains and unclaimed territories throughout the country.
「With that, we’ll be able to produce vegetables and grains in high volumes. If the transport routes are prepared in advance, your company will be in a prime position to reap immense profits.」
President Vazel leaned in further, listening intently and pointing to potential routes and warehouse locations on the map.
「Certainly, the Erneta River offers highly efficient logistics. If we can get ships near the borders of neighboring countries, we can carry quite a load.」
「Exactly. As for the export destinations, I’m targeting desert nations and frontier regions where farming is difficult. These countries want to import food and, in exchange, they produce an abundance of ores.」
「Hmm… So His Majesty is after the ores?」
「Correct. Our kingdom is one of warriors. Which means our blacksmithing and craftsmanship are also highly advanced. To make the most of those skills, we need raw materials…namely ores.」
「I see. So you’ll bring agricultural goods to them, and bring ores back. Then use those ores to boost domestic industries… That’s your plan.」
I nodded.
「Yes. Weapons and metal products crafted with those ores can be sold at a high price. Processed goods always fetch more than raw materials.」
To summarize the plan.
1. Reclaim vast lands and produce agricultural goods in bulk.
2. Export those goods to desert and wasteland nations.
3. In return, import large quantities of ore.
4. Use the ores to have local blacksmiths and artisans create ore-based products.
5. Export those high-value products to other countries and profit.
Through these five steps, I aim to stimulate economic growth.
Understanding the full scope of the plan, Vazel smiled in admiration.
「Your Majesty’s proposal is astonishing. Land reclamation… then linking it to water transport and industrial output! I would be honored to be involved in such an ambitious endeavor.」
「Then I can take that as your acceptance to handle the agricultural exports?」
「Yes!」
Vazel declared without hesitation.
It seemed the proposal was more than compelling to him.
The deal was sealed.
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