King Of War: Starting with Arms Dealer-Chapter 787 - 717 Let’s Try Selling a Big Ship
787: Chapter 717: Let’s Try Selling a Big Ship
787 -717: Let’s Try Selling a Big Ship
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The political undertones of navy frigates are profound, and any country making a purchase, barring the somewhat freer spending in Europe, would be engaging in an activity fraught with political implications should they choose sides between the US and Russia.
Joe Ga couldn’t quite determine if there was any risk in China’s frigate exports!
However, as an arms dealer with a big heart, it would be a serious pity not to get involved when Abu Dhabi’s tycoons express interest.
The tonnage of the 056 is genuinely well-suited for them, now what they need is an opportunity to demonstrate just how good this toy really is.
Noticing that Prince Tahnoon seemed only mildly interested, Joe Ga smacked his lips and hesitated before saying, “Stay here for a couple more days, wait for my message…
If it doesn’t work out, our two families could jointly buy a training frigate to try it out.
You should invest two hundred million, and I’ll also put in two hundred million.
First, buy one ‘training frigate’ to taste the water.
I’ll be responsible for the trials; I’ll pay for the maintenance, and I could even help train your navy when the time comes.”
At the mention of this, Prince Tahnoon looked at Joe Ga as if he had seen a ghost and said, “A training frigate for four hundred million US dollars?”
As soon as Joe Ga heard this, he waved his hand and said, “Just seal up the vertical launch unit, and it becomes a ‘training ship.’ How else would I take it back to Tubruq to organize training?
What do you think?
Want to give it a try?
We share the risk; if you like it, you can give me a hundred million to sail the ship back.
If you don’t like it, then consider it as if you’ve invested in our ‘Princess Maritime Security Company.’ The security business from the Mediterranean to the Gulf of Aden is booming, with dividends…
Think about it, if a 056 you have a stake in is frequently seen in the Gulf of Aden, how convenient it would be for your people in Yemen to call for help should any problem arise!”
Prince Tahnoon was somewhat baffled by Joe Ga’s ‘business acumen’…
“I partner with you to buy a frigate, and you will be responsible for its use?”
Upon hearing this, Joe Ga knew this guy wasn’t easy to fool and said with a dry laugh, “I’ve put in half the money, and after all, the ship should be getting some use, right?”
After thinking it over for a long time, Prince Tahnoon finally said, “A 1300-ton missile frigate for four hundred million US dollars?”
As he spoke, when Joe Ga wanted to reply, Prince Tahnoon interjected with a question, “Compared to other people’s products, it’s not that expensive, but is the missile system it’s equipped with reliable?”
How would Joe Ga know if it’s reliable?
All he knew was that the last time he asked for a price, the top-of-the-line 056 export version was at a ‘friendship price’ of a hundred and eighty million US dollars.
Back then, the salesman had explained that the 056 wasn’t officially on sale to the public yet, since they were fulfilling domestic navy orders, so the price wasn’t made public—you couldn’t even look it up.
If they were really interested, there was still room for negotiation on the price.
Abu Dhabi is certainly flushed with cash, and these folks aren’t sensitive to price, but neither are they fools.
Joe Ga didn’t actually want to partner up with them to buy a frigate; it would be a strain for him to maintain it.
Nor would he allow the United Arab Emirates to take a stake in the ‘Princess Maritime Security Company.’ Prince Albert II isn’t short of money either, and might misconstrue if the UAE tycoons came on board.
Boss Joe intended to imprint the ‘four hundred million’ price tag deeply into Prince Tahnoon’s mind.
Then, once he got a clear picture of the 056’s specifics and understood the risks of acting as an agent for navy ship sales, he’d give Prince Tahnoon a pleasant surprise.
He’d find an opportunity for everyone to board the ship to take a look around, and there were actually ships available in Djibouti.
If it came to crunch time, he’d offer a discount, and he didn’t believe they wouldn’t be tempted!
Next February’s Abu Dhabi defense exhibition was a massive event, and if the preliminary work was well handled, it might not be out of the question for Joe Ga to act as a temporary agent for the 056’s export sales.
This is the real big-money business—on each ship, even if he only earned twenty to fifty million, that would surpass many large companies’ annual profits.
What has Boss Joe done?
Aside from making friends and boasting, nothing much.
The clients bring the ships to the defense exhibition; they’re burning their own oil.
This is much easier and more profitable than the arduous effort involved in mining!
Seeing the ‘big deal’ within reach, Joe Ga’s respect for Prince Tahnoon surged.
Glancing at Sayyid beside him, Joe Ga shrugged and said, “We’re out of time today, but tomorrow let’s take Prince Tahnoon out to the grasslands.
Since you’re here, it would be a pity not to go hunting!”
Looking at the somewhat gloomy Prince Hamandan, he smiled and said, “Prince Hamandan, if you’re interested, join us.
I heard you’re a good shot, and I know a thing or two about it myself.
We could have some fun together.
We’ll place a bet; the winner donates all the money to support Central Africa’s education system. freeweɓnøvel.com
I, for one, will treat everyone to a Chinese-style Africa barbecue.”
Prince Hamandan’s eyes lit up at this proposal, saying, “How about half a million?
I’ve brought a few fine horses along.
Tomorrow, let’s enjoy horseback hunting.
The one who loses will donate half a million to the schools in Central Africa.”
When Prince Tahnoon heard this, he spread his hands helplessly and said, “I didn’t bring my hunting rifle, and my horses won’t arrive in time, how about I just put in the money…”
Prince Hamandan, previously morose, felt intellectually and visually overshadowed by Prince Tahnoon.
Perhaps due to his athlete genes, Prince Hamandan often displayed a competitive streak in certain matters.
In response to Prince Tahnoon’s reluctance, Prince Hamandan smiled and said, “I brought nine fine horses, three of which are champions.
My sister Sara rode one to equestrian victory.
