Working as a police officer in Mexico-Chapter 1776 - 788: Transformation!_3

Capítulo 1776: Chapter 788: Transformation!_3

“Most are domestic assembly plants, with some exported to Central America.”

“Are these car companies using technology from ten years ago or the latest? Can your home appliances compete with products from Japan and South Korea? Without tariff protection, how many of your factories can survive?”

Mendoza’s expression changed slightly and he didn’t respond immediately.

“Gentlemen, I’m not here to deny the importance of traditional industries.”

Bramo’s tone softened a bit, “Oil and manufacturing have been the foundation of Mexico’s economy in the past, and they still are today. But the foundation cannot remain unchanged forever. The world is changing, technology is advancing. If we don’t invest in the future now, there will be no place for us in the future.”

He walked to the window, pointing in the direction of a distant construction site: “‘Silicon Valley Mexico’ is not just a park, it’s a signal. It tells the world that Mexico will not only sell resources and labor, but also technology and creativity. The high-tech enterprises we support will in turn empower traditional industries in the future—smart grids can make electricity distribution more efficient and reduce factory electricity costs; industrial software can optimize production lines and increase manufacturing competitiveness; new materials research can derive higher value products from petroleum.”

Salinas and Mendoza remained silent.

They understood the reasoning, but touching interests is harder than touching souls.

“The concerns of both of you have been considered by the government.”

Bramo returned to his seat, “Transition requires a process and won’t be one-size-fits-all. The oil industry can participate in new energy development, and manufacturing can apply for technology transformation subsidies. But the premise is to move in the right direction.”

He opened the folder and pulled out two documents: “These are drafts of the ‘Traditional Industry Upgrade Support Measures’ being drafted by the Treasury Department and the Industrial Department. If the oil industry invests in clean energy or new chemical materials, they can enjoy tax deductions; manufacturing that undergoes automation transformation or research investment can receive low-interest loans.”

“If anyone wants to maintain their old monopoly position through lobbying and obstruction, delaying the country’s transition progress, then I’m sorry, the government will not hold back. The leader has said, Mexico’s future cannot be held in the hands of a few vested interests.”

These words were already spoken very heavily.

Salinas’s smile disappeared, and Mendoza’s face became even grimmer.

The atmosphere in the meeting room suddenly became tense.

At this moment, the office door was knocked.

The secretary pushed the door open, looking somewhat flustered: “Mr. Advisor, a few generals have come outside, saying they want to see you. They didn’t make an appointment, but their attitude is very firm…”

Before the words were finished, three middle-aged men in military uniforms had already walked in.

Leading them was Major General Renato Garsa, the Director of the Department of Defense Equipment Development Bureau, this guy…

was one of the warriors who took up arms with Victor in Tijuana.

“Advisor Bramo, sorry for the interruption.” Garsa’s voice was hoarse, his eyes sweeping past Salinas and Mendoza, nodding slightly as a greeting, and then directly looking at Bramo, “I heard there’s a major project here; we want to ask why we’re filling that ‘Silicon Valley’ bottomless pit?”

Bramo’s heart sank.

The military people had come, and at such a coincidental time, right when he was having talks with the business community representatives.

“General Garsa, please have a seat.” Bramo maintained his composure, “Budget adjustments are coordinated by the Treasury Department, you can inquire about the specifics…”

“I am asking you!”

Garsa interrupted him, raising his voice, “Who doesn’t know this ‘Silicon Valley Mexico’ is managed by you, Bramo? Who doesn’t know you are running back and forth between the Presidential Palace and various departments every day, seeking funding and policies? The Department of Defense’s procurement plan is already approved—new tanks, new planes, new missiles, now your direction research is off-track? The life of front-line soldiers is less important than your computer chips?”

These words were spoken extremely heavily, almost like pointing fingers and cursing.

Salinas and Mendoza exchanged a glance, somewhat schadenfreude, you Bramo just came to manage this industry, there are plenty who don’t like you.

Bramo took a deep breath: “General Garsa, the adjustment of military budget is based on a reassessment of the country’s overall strategy. Traditional weapons need updating, but we also need to build capabilities for future warfare. Cyber warfare, electronic warfare, unmanned systems are the decisive forces for the next war. If we don’t invest now, when the enemy uses drone swarms and network attacks to paralyze our command system, no matter how many tanks we have, they will be just a pile of scrap metal.”

“Nonsense!”

Garsa slammed the table, causing the coffee cup on the table to jump, “War relies on courage! On sacrifice! On steel and gunpowder! Can those flashy things of yours stop bullets? Can they take down an enemy position? When I was bleeding on the front line, you were enjoying life in the United States!”

These words were laden with personal attacks.

Bramo’s expression turned cold: “General, please watch your words. If you have opinions on policy, you should reflect them through proper channels rather than slamming tables here.”

“Proper channels?” Garsa sneered, “If proper channels worked, would I come here? I tell you, Bramo, the military does not support this project! Either you let the Treasury Department restore the military budget, or—”

“Or what?”

A voice came from the doorway.

Everyone froze, turning their heads.

Victor was already standing at the door at some point, accompanied by only one guard.

The office fell silent instantly.

Salinas and Mendoza immediately stood up, respectfully bowing their heads: “Leader.”