Chapter 661: Switzerland in Central Asia (2)
“I didn’t know that Kazakhstan was producing propeller airplanes.”
“We’re working together with Cessna to make sure there’s nothing wrong with our safety. The propeller you were on yesterday was also manufactured in Kazakhstan.”
At the mention of producing propeller planes which was a declining industry, Piccolo, CEO of Vinci, was looking at Youngho with a curious look.
The Duke of Kazakhstan was a character who suddenly appeared as if he had fallen from the sky one day.
Creating a constitutional monarchy in the 21st century was a novelty, and the leadership that made Kazakhstan the leader of developing countries in a short period of time was also a mystery.
Piccolo was becoming increasingly interested in the Kazakh royal family over time.
When the Kazakh royal family was said to be in charge of the Trans-Siberian Railway project, he thought that Kazakhstan was playing Russia’s puppet.
However, after observing Youngho, he found that the relationship was never like that.
Not only did the Kazakh royal family not trust Russia, but it also provided safeguards to prevent multinationals from being penalized while making its own profits. It was obvious when Youngho made the three companies invest in Kazakhstan, which was never a plan, after attracting them to invest in Siberia.
He had already made up his mind when he found himself being dragged around by Youngho. So was the resort business.
Despite being able to develop and monopolize the businesses, the Kazakh royal family was attracting the three companies, so he was wondering what Youngho was up to. He could not resist anymore, so he finally asked the question.
“Your Highness, I wonder why the royal family wants us to participate in the resort business when it can do it independently.”
“I thought you’d wonder. The reason I’m trying to get you involved is because I’m trying to get more tourists to come here.”
“What does that mean?”
No matter how amazing tourist attractions were created, it would be useless if there were no tourists.
If the Kazakh royal family alone built the resorts and tourist facilities, it would be questionable if tourists from all around the world would be interested. Even if each country’s broadcasting media promoted Central Asia, there was definitely a limit.
But it would be a different story if global companies were investing in the resort business in Kyrgyzstan. People would think that there was something special enough to make such companies invest hundreds of millions of dollars.
Then, the rumors would become more and more amplified and reporters of global media companies would come during the construction process to inform the world of Kyrgyzstan.
Multinational companies would also promote the resort sites to save their investments, saying that Kyrgyz was better than Switzerland.
This was what Youngho was after.
After listening to Youngho’s explanation, the representatives of multinational corporations were dumbfounded.
“You need us for a publicity stunt.”
“Hahaha… I wouldn’t have introduced it to you if it’s a bad business. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan will be promoted thanks to your global companies, and you’ll be making money. You’re a very lucky person. Kyrgyz resort business will definitely be a goose that lays golden eggs.”
“If we hadn’t visited this place, we’d have never known. I look forward to working with you.”
“If you join the resort business, I’ll also help you. I’ll do my best to make you winners in both the Trans-Siberian Railway and the Siberian Development Project.”
“Thank you.”
***
It was a divine move to attract multinational global companies when an oil field was found in the tundra area in Siberia as well as persuading them to invest in Kazakhstan.
Although the Kazakh government had invested heavily in establishing tourism infrastructure in Almaty and other cities, people around the world had been turning a blind eye to Central Asia, while only visiting Europe.
However, after multinational companies showed interest in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan’s Almaty became a place of interest, too.
It was only an hour’s flight from Issyk Kul Lake and there was an international resort.
The French company Vinci leaked to the media that it was building a large-scale resort near the Issyk Kul in Kyrgyzstan.
When he said he was planning a large-scale resort in a country where people around the world were not familiar with, leading broadcasters also came to Kazakhstan to cover it.
Rumors that not only France’s Vinci but also Bechtel and ACS were investing in the resort business were enough to attract media attention.
The media was curious about why multinational companies would invest in a totally unknown remote area.
As a result, it was revealed that the Kazakh royal family was at the center, and naturally, tourist attractions in Kazakhstan were mentioned.
“Your Highness. The Tourism Bureau has released a press release. Would you like to take a look?”
“Our Tourism Bureau has issued a press release?”
“Yes, it did.”
Youngho, who was looking at the data handed over by Min-seok, smiled.
This was because the press release promoted Kazakhstan’s royal family more than introducing tourist sites in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
In other words, the purpose of the press release was to promote the business performance of the royal family and the companies that the royal family owned.
It was intended to let the world know that any project invested by the Kazakh royal family was successful.
“It’s not a tour guide, it’s a promotion for the royal family.”
“When I asked why this was distributed, the official said it was to attract more investors.”
It was because other companies made a decision to invest because of the Kazakh royal family
“That makes sense. Whose work is this?”
“It’s an idea of a department manager of the Tourism Bureau.”
“Now our officials know what business is. But aren’t they bragging too much about the royal family?”
“Your Highness, it’s rather late. From now on, we will actively let the world know about our royal family.”
Suh Min-seok asked for permission to form a public relations team in the secretary office of Duke.
“Are you serious?”
“Your Highness, you have done enough as a member of the international community by accepting more than 1.3 million Syrian Kurds. No country in Europe has ever accepted so many refugees.”
“We had a reason to accept the Kurds because of Jelyan, but Germany accepted more than 500,000 refugees last year even though it had no connection. In addition, we received the help of the international community when accepting the Kurds.”
“Your Highness, it is important that 1.3 million refugees have been accepted for whatever reason.”
***
“Oh, I thought you only thought about war.”
Fatima was very pleased to see Youngho engage in the development of tourist attractions by inviting multinational companies to visit Kyrgyzstan.
“Huh! You are treating me like a warmonger. We traveled around European tourist attractions whenever we had a chance. That was all to prepare for this.”
“The public likes you because you are interested in the tourism industry. There is no other place as beautiful as our country.”
“Only the north and the east are beautiful. Central and western parts are desert areas, so what is there to see?”
“What! Tell them how charming the semi-deserted zone is. Zeynep remembers that the night she spent in the desert was the best of her travels.”
“That’s because she likes unique things.”
“I like the semi desert area too… Why don’t you develop a desert area as a tourist item?”
Youngho never dreamed that a special environment of semi desert could be a tourist attraction, ash thought only a place with mountains, lakes, and thick forests would be a good place to visit.
Although tourists would not flock to the area in an explosive manner, it seemed to be quite okay if there were linked products.
If people could stay in the semi desert for a while and move to Almaty Resort, it would be a week-long travel package.
“The idea of a desert becoming a tourist attraction is very refreshing. But don’t women generally hate to travel to such an uncomfortable place?”
“You should also know that women unexpectedly enjoy being wild.”
“Does it also apply to you?”
“Yes, I want to go hunting and drive a four-wheeler around the desert.”
“I can’t believe someone like you has that idea.”
Youngho was surprised to hear that someone so quiet like Fatima wanted to hunt rabbits and wolves and enjoy speed driving in the desert.
“Honey, you’re not stressed out these days, are you? Or do you have complaints about me?”
Youngho’s heart sank because he was wondering if he had been neglecting his family while because of his work. Since last summer, he had been on business trips so frequently that he felt guilty.
“Hohoho… Our royal family has no problem if Leon doesn’t cause trouble. In particular, I never, ever, have complaints about you, so be assured.”
It was strange that she emphasized ‘never’, but he did not want to dig in a matter that she just denied, so he quickly changed the subject.
“I thought you were just interested in fashion and beauty, but I’m surprised.”
“When will you take the time to travel in the desert with me? Let me show you how wild I am.”
“How can a queen present her like that?”
“We can tell our guards and entourage to stay far away. They won’t know. I’m not worried because you’d be near. If that worries you, don’t step away an inch from me.”
It was a refreshing suggestion to make a tourist attraction in the desert, but she definitely seemed to have a complaint when she said he should stick right next to her.
She was saying that she would relieve accumulated stress while racing through the desert.
This was a red light signal she was sending to Youngho. He needed to soothe Fatima quickly.
“You look beautiful today. I’m free today, shall we have some wine in the study?”
“Hohoho… Why do you want to drink with me today, don’t you only drink with men? Well, that doesn’t matter. I’d like to get a little drunk today, too.”
