Becoming a Russian Oligarch After Rebirth
Chapter 708: Young and Promising_1

Chapter 708: Chapter 708: Young and Promising_1

When discussing Medvedev, it’s apparent that Gavriil would certainly be more credible.

This is because, a few years ago, it seems that Medvedev worked under Gavriil, so the two had more contact with each other.

As for Aleksey, it wouldn’t be right for him to comment on Medvedev. While he ranks slightly higher than Medvedev, one shouldn’t forget their relative proximity to the Kremlin; he falls significantly short of Medvedev.

Perhaps a few years from now, Medvedev could be his immediate superior.

After some consideration, Gavriil cautiously suggested, "Well, Medvedev is quite young, in his thirties. He managed to get where he is now, one could argue that he made a name for himself at a young age. However, of course, he’s no match for you, Misha, haha..."

Medvedev, in his thirties and already a minister, can indeed be described as a promising youth.

But of course, that depends on who you compare him with.

Wang Ye was only twenty when he became a vice G-grade...

So, in front of Wang Ye, to say that Medvedev is young seems somewhat inappropriate.

Wang Ye nodded, indicating for Gavriil to continue. He was indeed interested in Medvedev.

Gavriil continued: "When he was working with me before, everyone was quite vocal with their praise for him. He is responsible, innovative, demonstrates team spirit, and is always well-organized. Never have I seen him fumble..."

It was noticeable that Gavriil had high praise for Medvedev.

Clearly, there must be something extraordinary about Medvedev. Otherwise, as Petersburg University produces numerous graduates each year, based on that alone, there would be plenty more "little brothers".

Why did just he stand out, becoming Puding’s most trusted partner!

After listening to Gavriil’s extensive praise for Medvedev, not addressing the key question, Wang Ye further inquired, "What’s his attitude towards the stock transfer of the Russian Gas Industry Group this time?"

Gavriil was slightly troubled, scratching his head, seemingly finding the question difficult to address.

However, under Wang Ye’s expectant gaze, Gavriil did not avoid the question. After all, comparing Medvedev, Wang Ye and him have the better relationship.

Going so far as to say that Gavriil has banked over half of his future career prospects on Wang Ye!

As for Medvedev, their relationship outside of work is not particularly close; they are nothing but colleagues.

Of course, this could be due to Gavriil being unaware of Puding’s extended term of office.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t need to bank on anyone, just cling tightly onto Puding’s coattails, and that would have been enough...

"The issue of the stock transfer of the Russian Gas Industry Group was initially proposed by Medvedev, and was approved by the Kremlin.

Still, the Russian Gas Industry Group ultimately belongs to the direct jurisdiction of the government; their consent is essential.

As a result, the government somewhat disagrees, and their attitude is primarily based on two points.

One, Medvedev violated procedural norms by bypassing the government and directly negotiating with the Kremlin.

Two, the Russian Gas Industry is currently state-owned, thus naturally, the government reaps the most benefits.

Their ability to maintain the annual budget depends on the hefty dividends received from the Russian Gas Industry. If the shares are diluted, the dividends wouldn’t be as substantial, causing budgeting problems down the line.

The issue is still at a stalemate, with no definite resolution yet."

Gavriil explained the whole sequence of events thoroughly. Wang Ye was now clear on the matter.

The fact that Medvedev bypassed the government and went directly to the Kremlin to discuss the issue could indeed be understood.

After all, he was originally from the Kremlin, and thus, would be used to seeking their advice on important decisions.

Moreover, he probably wasn’t particularly close with the government...

But Wang Ye became curious and asked again, "Why did Medvedev suddenly propose introducing new shareholders to dilute the state-owned shares?"

Statistically speaking, this was not something that Medvedev, also a representative of the state’s interest, should propose!

It is precisely because the state has a controlling stake in the Russian Gas Industry Group that a chairman can be directly appointed.

If state shares were diluted, it’s uncertain who would become chairman in the future!

Gavriil shook his head, "I’m not entirely sure about that. According to him, he’s proposing the idea to promote market liberalization and attract foreign investments. After all, to attract investors, they need to show some sincerity. If profitable industries were off-limits, or state-owned assets maintained control, not letting foreign investors take part in low-return, high-investment industries, those investors wouldn’t be satisfied."

Wang Ye nodded. The reason may seem outrageous at first, but it’s just about plausible given that it’s Medvedev.

While others are unaware, Wang Ye knows that in the years following Medvedev’s ascension, relations between Russia and Western countries were at their peak.

The West showered him with praise...

Then again, praise from the West isn’t always positive.

...

At this point, Aleksey suddenly interjected, "I’ve heard some unconfirmed news that the Russian Gas Industry Group plans to introduce two strategic partners from the European Union and the United States, all arranged by Medvedev."

Wang Ye’s brow furrowed.

Could it be that Medvedev intends to follow the same path as Khodorkovsky in restructuring the Yukos Group?

Bringing in foreign investors, to ’take the tiger down the mountain’!

Or, there could be some kind of benefit transmission relationship involved...

But these things are difficult to confirm and speculate upon, especially since one is dealing with not just any minister, but someone likely to occupy the Kremlin in the future!

This certainly complicates matters.

If Medvedev persistently allows only foreign investors, not allowing national capital to have shares in the Russian Gas Industry,

Then Wang Ye and Constantin’s hopes of having shares in the Russian Gas Industry would have been nipped in the bud.

Actually, if Wang Ye really wanted to put up a fight, it wouldn’t be impossible.

After all, even if they wanted to bypass the Duma and make the decision directly through the government, the Economic Committee Wang Ye belongs to would still have a say in it.

Despite the fact that the Duma may not seem to hold much substantive power, the key point is that they can legitimately interfere with any domestic affairs!

Specifically, the Economic Committee intervening in the Russian Gas Industry Group’s foreign financing would be completely unproblematic.

The main issue is whether it is worth it or not to do so!

These are what Wang Ye needs to consider now. He still needs to discuss it further with Constantin.

...