376: Discussing countermeasures

Lei Jun changed the subject, her tone turning serious.

"But there is a key issue that must be resolved in advance. I am a citizen of Dragon Kingdom, and I hold a 69% stake in Walmart, giving me absolute control."

"Currently, the conflicts between Dragon Kingdom and the USA are prominent, and a trade war is ongoing. The US government will not sit idly by; they will certainly intervene in our business through trade barriers, policy restrictions, and other means."

"So, I want to hear your thoughts. How should we guard against the USA's trade barriers and political interference?"

Hearing this question, the executives fell into deep thought. They knew very well that this was indeed a thorny problem!

The US government has always had a tendency toward protectionism. Now that a person from Dragon Kingdom has become the absolute controlling shareholder of Walmart, the government is highly likely to use this as an excuse to cause trouble!

For example, raising tariffs on goods imported from Dragon Kingdom, restricting the sales of BYD's new energy vehicles and Xiaomi's hardware products in the US market, or even investigating Walmart's operations to create trouble for the company.

Once targeted by the government, Walmart's losses would be immense, and it might even affect the global business layout.

Greg spoke first, saying in a heavy tone.

"Ms. Lei, this is indeed the greatest risk we currently face. Our government is likely to impose high tariffs on goods we import from Dragon Kingdom and may restrict the sale of new energy vehicles and tech products on the grounds of 'national security'."

"We must find a way to circumvent these restrictions; otherwise, the cooperation plan simply cannot move forward."

CFO Mark then spoke up, "I have an idea. We can establish local production bases in the USA, allowing BYD and Xiaomi products to be manufactured and sold locally."

"This way, we can avoid import tariffs and trade barriers, while also boosting local employment in the USA. Even if the government wants to intervene, they won't find many excuses."

"Additionally, we can cooperate with local US companies to form joint ventures, bringing in local capital and resources to lower the government's vigilance. After all, if local companies are involved, the government will have some reservations."

He mused that local production could avoid risks, reduce logistics costs, and improve relations with the local government—killing multiple birds with one stone.

The executives voiced their opinions one after another, and the discussion became quite heated.

Some added details, while others offered different perspectives, discussing and optimizing the plans together.

Lei Jun sat in the head seat, listening quietly and nodding occasionally, while silently analyzing the feasibility of each suggestion.

She thought to herself that these suggestions all made sense, and combining them would form a complete prevention plan.

Local production and joint ventures could fundamentally circumvent trade barriers; compliance teams and lobbyists could respond to policy changes in real-time and seek government support; supply chain diversification could reduce dependence and spread risk... Political risk insurance and offshore companies could further minimize losses and avoid direct intervention.

Once the executives had finished their discussion, Lei Jun spoke to summarize, her tone firm and her points clear.

"Your suggestions are very comprehensive. We will now determine the following measures as our core plan to guard against trade barriers and political interference."

She listed the plans one by one.

"First, establish local production bases in the USA. We will work with BYD and Xiaomi to select sites and build factories as soon as possible to achieve local production and sales for new energy vehicles and hardware products, completely avoiding import tariffs and related restrictions."

"Second, form joint ventures with influential local US companies, bringing in local capital and resources to tie our interests together and lower the government's vigilance."

"Third, establish a dedicated compliance team, hire top-tier lawyers and policy researchers to track policy changes in real-time, and hire professional lobbyists to strengthen communication with the government and Congress to seek policy support."

"Fourth, promote supply chain diversification, expand cooperation with companies in Europe and other countries, and optimize the supplier system to reduce dependence on a single market."

"Fifth, purchase sufficient political risk insurance and use Alibaba's overseas resources to establish offshore companies in third-party countries to avoid direct political intervention and minimize losses."

As soon as Lei Jun finished speaking, the executives present nodded in agreement.

They thought to themselves that this plan was very well-considered, addressing immediate risks while laying the foundation for the company's long-term development. They couldn't help but admire Lei Jun's strategic vision and decision-making ability.

Previously, they had been worried about the young controlling shareholder's lack of ability, but now it seemed those worries were completely redundant. With such a capable and visionary leader, Walmart would surely develop better in the future.

Greg quickly said, "Ms. Lei, this plan is very comprehensive, and I completely agree. I am willing to lead the implementation of the plan, coordinating between departments to ensure that all measures are put into effect as soon as possible."

Lei Jun looked at him and said seriously, "Good, you will lead the implementation. All departments must cooperate closely and complete the relevant preparations within one month, including site selection for production bases, coordination with joint venture partners, and the formation of the compliance team."

"Understood, Ms. Lei!" all the executives replied in unison, their voices firm and their eyes filled with awe and conviction.

After this meeting, they fully recognized Lei Jun's leadership and were full of expectations for Walmart's future.

The previous tension and panic had completely transformed into a longing for the new strategy.

Lei Jun nodded slightly and said, "The meeting is adjourned. Everyone, go back and prepare. Greg, stay behind; I want to go over the details of the Supplier Summit with you."

The other executives stood up and respectfully watched Lei Jun. Only after her figure had moved away did they dare to leave the conference room one by one.

As they left, they were still quietly discussing the plan from just now, their faces full of excitement, feeling that Walmart was about to encounter new development opportunities.

Only Lei Jun and Greg remained in the conference room. Lei Jun asked, "Have the guests for the Supplier Summit been confirmed?"

Greg quickly replied, "They've all been confirmed. We've invited core suppliers from all over the world to ensure the meeting goes smoothly."

He thought to himself that he must make the summit perfect and not let Lei Jun down.

Lei Jun nodded.

After discussing for a while, Lei Jun stood up.

"I'm heading back to the hotel. Call me if there are any issues."

With that, accompanied by Lei Ying, Lei Yue, and the others, she left the conference room... Back at the hotel, the moment she pushed open her room door, Lei Jun's tense nerves completely relaxed.

She sat on the sofa, holding Afu, thinking that the Supplier Summit was the day after tomorrow. With two days to spare, she could take the opportunity to have some fun, giving her tense self a bit of a vacation.

Lei Jun voiced her thoughts.

Lei Yue: "How would you like to arrange the next two days? Would you like to rest in the hotel or go out for a stroll?"