Chapter 394: Hosting a Trade Fair

"It is already 60% complete," Wang Lao said, leading him toward the display stand, "following your instructions, we have categorized the weapons into three levels and established a complete technical standard and quality inspection system. This is the sample catalog."

Li Mingyuan flipped through the thick weapons catalog and nodded with satisfaction. This catalog detailed the performance parameters, usage methods, maintenance requirements, and price ranges for every type of weapon, making it a complete "arms supermarket" shopping guide.

"What about the export licensing system?"

"It has already been established," the Military Industry Commission legal advisor explained, "Level 1 weapons can be approved directly by the Ministry of Foreign Trade, Level 2 weapons require approval from the Military Industry Commission, and Level 3 weapons must undergo special review by the National Security Committee."

Li Mingyuan nodded: "Very good. The next step is to determine the target market and marketing strategy."

He took out a document he had prepared himself: "This is the list of potential clients I have compiled, sorted by political leaning, payment ability, and military needs."

The experts from the Military Industry Commission crowded around to carefully study this list. It detailed the political situation, military needs, and economic conditions of countries around the world, even including some colonies that had not yet gained independence and underground revolutionary organizations.

"This intelligence is too detailed," a general exclaimed, "it even has the specific numbers and equipment status of those guerrillas in North Africa!"

Li Mingyuan smiled slightly: "In business, understanding client needs is the first step."

"Speaking of needs," the Deputy Director of the Military Industry Commission raised a question, "our weapon performance is indeed good, but in the international market, the equipment of the Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo is more famous; why would clients choose us?"

"Price advantage, no political conditions, and complete after-sales service," Li Mingyuan answered without hesitation, "The Star-Spangled Country only sells to allies and attaches harsh political conditions; although Beijixiong Guo has fewer conditions, the prices are exorbitant. We can provide reasonably priced, reliable weapons without political conditions, and we also provide comprehensive training and maintenance support."

"That sounds very competitive," the Director of the Military Industry Commission nodded, "but the most critical question is, how do we let potential clients know our specific strength?"

"How to let potential clients know our strength..."

Li Mingyuan's eyes lit up; he put down the document in his hand, looked around at the generals and experts in the conference room, and a mysterious smile hung on the corners of his mouth.

"Everyone, I have an idea, perhaps a bit crazy, but absolutely effective."

The Military Industry Commission Director Wang Lao looked at him curiously: "What idea? Let's hear it."

Li Mingyuan straightened his body, his voice carrying unquestionable confidence:

"Host an international weapons and equipment trade fair, invite friendly countries and potential clients from around the world to visit, test, and even place orders on the spot."

There was an uproar in the conference room, and everyone looked at each other.

"A trade fair?" an elderly general frowned and said, "Are we selling cabbage or green onions? Can weapons be sold like this?"

Li Mingyuan did not rush to refute, but turned to that general: "General Wang, do you remember the weapon performance demonstration conference we held at the Xibei Jidi during the war?"

General Wang nodded: "Of course I remember; at that time, we demonstrated several types of weapons we had newly developed so that frontline commanders could understand their performance for tactical deployment."

"Exactly," Li Mingyuan snapped his fingers, "but that was just an internal demonstration. What we are going to do this time is a public trade fair aimed at friendly countries around the world. Let them see with their own eyes and test our weapons with their own hands, thereby establishing trust and trade relations."

Military Industry Commission Deputy Director Li Gang was thoughtful: "That is indeed a fresh idea; neither the Star-Spangled Country nor Beijixiong Guo has ever done this..."

"Because they don't need to," Li Mingyuan shrugged, "they have already established mature arms sales networks. But we are new players and need a way to break into the market with a bang."

Wang Lao stroked his beard, his eyes flashing with excitement: "This idea is interesting, but how do we solve the security problem? Inviting so many foreigners into our country and letting them come into contact with weapons..."

Li Mingyuan was prepared: "We can set up a special zone in a border city, strictly control the visitors and the weapons on display; each weapon will only show its basic model and limited functions, and core technologies and the most advanced equipment will certainly not be shown. More importantly," he lowered his voice, "this is not just an arms deal, but a political show to demonstrate the industrial strength and open stance of Long Country to the whole world."

The atmosphere in the conference room gradually became heated, and the Military Representative and technical experts began to discuss the details all at once.

"If we do it, we must do it beautifully," a Factory Director said excitedly, "not only displaying weapons, but we can also display our machinery, steel products..."

"Exactly!" Li Mingyuan slapped the table hard, "That is exactly what I wanted to say. This should not just be a weapons trade fair, but a comprehensive display of Long Country's industrial strength. Weapons are only a part of Long Country's industry; we want to let the world see a comprehensively rising Long Country!"

Wang Lao was infected by Li Mingyuan's enthusiasm and stood up: "This idea is excellent! I will report to Minister Zhang immediately and strive for approval as soon as possible."

After the meeting ended, Li Mingyuan was kept behind to discuss the specific plan for the trade fair with several key figures. That afternoon, Minister Zhang personally convened a meeting to hear Li Mingyuan's detailed proposal.

In Minister Zhang's office, Li Mingyuan stood in front of a large world map, pointing to the location of a border city: "I suggest setting up the exhibition area at the northern border; the transportation is convenient, and it is easy to control for security."

Minister Zhang nodded: "What about the timing?"

"Three months from now," Li Mingyuan answered without hesitation, "this gives us enough preparation time without making potential clients wait too long."

Deputy Minister Liu of the Wajiaobu interjected: "We need to send out formal invitations through the channels of various embassies, as well as some... unofficial channels." He looked at Li Mingyuan meaningfully.

Li Mingyuan understood that he was referring to those revolutionary regimes and guerrilla organizations that had not yet gained international recognition.

"No problem," Li Mingyuan said affirmatively, "we will prepare a detailed invitation list covering potential clients on all continents."

Minister Zhang finally made the decision: "It is settled then; three months from now, we will host the 'Long Country International Industrial and Equipment Trade Fair'. Chief Engineer Li, you are responsible for overall coordination, and the Military Industry Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Trade, and the Wajiaobu will provide full cooperation."

After the meeting dispersed, Li Mingyuan did not go home to rest immediately, but headed straight to his office and began working through the night to organize the exhibitor list for the trade fair. He knew that this trade fair would be an important step for Long Country toward the world, and it could not afford the slightest carelessness.