The Suez Canal was the link connecting the two greatest markets in human history: East and West.
Once the excavation was complete, Marseille would no longer be merely a French seaport—it would immediately become the maritime trade hub of more than half of Europe! The short-term risks and long-term gains finally led Joseph to make his decision.
He looked at Gaudin. "I have decided to place the European Settlement Bank in Marseille."
"Marseille?"
Baron de Breteuil and Gaudin both looked stunned. "Your Highness, isn't that a little too far away?"
"Your Highness, Marseille's economic and financial scale is not sufficient to..."
Yet Joseph threw out words that shocked them even more. "Not just the settlement bank. Later, the Paris Stock Exchange and the futures market will also move to Marseille.
"Large banks will also be required to establish branches in Marseille.
"And the railway from Marseille to Lyon will receive priority funding for construction."
The two ministers exchanged glances and hurriedly tried to dissuade him. "Your Highness, this may have unforeseeable effects on the entire financial world..."
Joseph nodded. "I understand your concerns, but Paris has already become too bloated. In the future, it is best suited to serve only as a political and cultural center.
"Of course, I am merely proposing a broad plan. As for how exactly to separate the financial sector and carry out the relocation, the Senate will need to organize all the banks and exchanges involved to draft a plan."
He turned to Baron de Breteuil again. "You will be fully responsible for this matter. I only want to see the final result."
Recently, his attention had been focused on his mother's health, so he might as well use this matter to give the Senate a chance to prove itself.
In truth, the French Cabinet