Chapter 117: Counterproductive

The complex international situation did not affect Austria's Near East development plan. After all, one must be strong to seize the opportunities that knock on the door.

The Near East development plan had been launched in 1884, and four years had already passed.

Four years is but a minor episode for a country; however, for a region, it can bring about revolutionary changes.

Compared to the desolation that had prevailed just after the war four years earlier, the Near East had now transformed into a massive construction site.

Railroads progressed like winding dragons; towns sprang up from the ground; while old cities were still being demolished, new cities were already being built.

In just four short years, Austria had migrated over three million people to the Near East, gaining control over most of the region.

"The progress of the Near East development plan is still too slow. With the current pace, it might not be completed even in another ten years.