Extreme Cold Era: Shelter Don't Keep Waste-Chapter 768 - 718: Cabinet Meeting · Part 1

"The promotion of the new measurement unit has been smoother than expected, largely thanks to the implementation of unified production standards." At the cabinet meeting, the Minister of Industry and Commerce was reporting on the promotion of the new measurement unit during this period: "Since all government-led projects have now adopted the new standards, it has forced factories to adopt the new standards in producing parts, thereby accelerating the promotion of the new standards.

The market response looks promising so far, but there are still quite a few complaints from manufacturers.

They mainly complain that the new regulations have increased their production costs and about the various issues arising from the obsolescence of a large number of old standard parts."

"Ignore them." Perfikot had never paid attention to such complaints from the start: "I welcome their willingness to adopt the new standards in producing parts and various products.

It's understandable to complain about the implementation of the new standards, after all, they did incur additional production costs.

But if someone tries to make trouble… I think I don't need to teach you what to do."

Faced with Perfikot's tough attitude, the members of the cabinet did not find it strange, as Perfikot had always had this style, and no one could make her compromise.

So this issue was simply brushed aside after a brief mention.

Compared to the implementation of new regulations, the cabinet's focus was more on the progress of the Flying Warship plans.

Since Perfikot was personally overseeing this issue, she was the one to explain it: "Currently, the foundational industries have completed the first phase of planning, and related products have also begun production.

Following the implementation of new regulations, the expected progress for the second phase will increase by 10%, and it is anticipated to finish the construction of the second phase by the end of the year.

If everything goes smoothly, the first quarter of next year will start with the construction of the prototype for the Flying Warship, aiming to complete it by the fourth quarter.

The focus of next year's Flying Warship plans will be on the third phase of construction, assuming the first and second phases progress smoothly, the third phase is expected to finish by the third quarter of next year.

The primary content of the third phase includes establishing the logistics system for the Flying Warship…"

This part is actually an old topic, as most of the content and project schedule has always been the main focus of the cabinet's attention.

One could even say the previous coup was largely influenced by the Flying Warship plans, although it wasn't the main reason, it was indeed the direct catalyst for the coup.

So, regarding the content Perfikot was explaining, everyone was listening attentively, but they were also very familiar with these matters.

Perfikot naturally knew this point, she did not ramble on, but after reiterating the progress plan for the Flying Warship, she then spoke: "While advancing the Flying Warship plans, I plan to build a batch of large Flying Airships as transport ships to restore trade routes between the Empire's colonies and the homeland. What are your views on this matter?"

Perfikot cast her gaze at everyone, seeking their opinions.

Faced with this question, the cabinet members exchanged glances but no one spoke up immediately.

The issue itself was not complex; from a necessity standpoint, there was indeed a need to restore the routes between colonies to reestablish connections with the Imperial Center.

After all, the colonies previously entered a de facto state of self-governance, and if it weren't for Eldest Princess Annie personally stepping in to suppress the separatism in the colonies, the Victor Empire might have fragmented by now.

Restoring trade seemed somewhat redundant in everyone's view.

Hit by the apocalyptic winter, the Empire's homeland had become desolate, with half of Langton City frozen in ice; one could imagine the state of other colonies.

Take the New Continent colony as an example, even aside from its splitting by the dominion, the impact of this winter directly destroyed the New Continent colony's original agricultural production system.

Both planting and animal husbandry were frozen to death in the cold wind.

Without these, the New Continent colony could only provide the Empire with labor force, still minable mineral resources, and some industrial products.

It is only part because industrial production relies on raw materials provided by agriculture and animal husbandry.

Now that the raw materials are gone, industrial production cannot be sustained.

Even if someone gets carried away and uses Imaginary Alchemy to provide industrial raw materials, Imaginary Alchemy requires the manipulation by an Alchemist.

If one truly wants to meet industrial production needs, a single Alchemist might exhaust themselves and still wouldn't sustain a factory for an hour.

Therefore, faced with this situation, the cabinet members all felt Perfikot's notion of restoring trade had no practical significance.

After all, the colonies really have nothing to trade.

Oh, except for people; the colonies' population can still be used as labor.

But for Perfikot, who can already set up automated production lines, adding mouths to feed was pointless.

One couldn't seriously send various populations from colonies to the Imperial Center to be used as mules, could they?

After hesitating for a long time, the Minister of Industry and Commerce stood up because his field of management was relevant to this matter, and he said: "The main output of various colonies for the Empire is still primarily supplying raw materials.

But given the current environment, the Empire's colonies are unlikely to have any edible supplies left.

So if we truly want to restore trade routes, I suggest focusing on raw materials, which overall would help maintain a balance in trade outreach, avoiding too much loss."

In the view of the Minister of Industry and Commerce, this trade route was bound to incur losses, but their job was to ensure it didn't lose excessively.

After all, maintaining connections between the Imperial Center and the colonies does have practical significance.

If it's for this goal, a certain degree of loss is within acceptable bounds.

"Since the old trade system was destroyed by this winter, why don't I attempt to establish a new trade system?" At this time, Deputy Prime Minister Kallen proposed a new idea: "The colonies have suffered severe blows, and their original industries have nearly collapsed. If the Empire can take this opportunity to establish new industrial systems for them, could this prevent trade routes from incurring losses, or possibly generate profit?"