1
12
After 20 years of reform and opening up, China now trades
directly with most countries and regions of the world. There is no
more need to rely on Hong Kong as an intermediary. When it
comes to competition with Hong Kong, we generally look to
Singapore. But it seems that Shanghai may turn out to be a
stronger competitor. First of all, Shanghai has a strong industrial
base. Then Shanghai can point to substantial commercial and
technology capacities. Thirdly, there is a large hinterland support
on the East China Plain. It is only a matter of time for Shanghai
to recapture her past glory and come out on top of Hong Kong.
Translated from: Apple Daily. 18 January 2001
Industrial base
Shanghai
Talents
Industry, commerce and
technology
2
In the past, Hong Kong acted as a bridge between the mainland
and the rest of the world.
However, with the opening up of the
mainland and the improvement of its infrastructures, the demand for
an entrepot has fallen and Hong Kong’s role as an intermediary is
slipping. With competition from Shanghai, it is generally felt that
the way out for Hong Kong is to sharpen its competitive edge and
strengthen cooperation with business organizations on the mainland.
In the long run, Shanghai and Hong Kong interests will find
integration.
Translated from: Yazhou Zhoukan. 24 December 2002.
3
Hong Kong used to enjoy advantage of being a successful intermediary.
However, in order to maintain our competitive power in the long term, Dr
Raymond Chien Kuo-fung (Member of the Executive Council of the
HKSAR) feels that we should strive to be more than an intermediary and
become a creator and inventor.
and technology transplant.
For that, Hong Kong would need science
If we could bring in talents, scientists and
outstanding young people from Shanghai, our long term development will
benefit.
With China’s entry into the World Trade Organization, closer
economic cooperation between Hong Kong and Shanghai can be expected.
To Dr Chien, Hong Kong and Shanghai can be likened to the two wings of
a jet plane. They complement each other and can help the country to fly
economically.
They are two engines pulling the train of China’s
economic development.
China is a huge land with a wealth of natural
resources and a large population.
One engine alone is far from adequate.
China hopes to have many more engines, not just Hong Kong, and not just
Shanghai either.
Translated from: Takungpao. 6 August 2001.
4
1.
Read Sources 1 to 3 and give their views.
Source 1
A.
The advantages
of Shanghai
B.
The role of
An intermediary
Hong Kong
C.
How Hong
Kong can
strengthen
/maintain her
competitive
power
D.
The relationship
between
Shanghai and
Hong Kong
/
Source 2
Source 3
/
Shanghai has elite talents
5
2.
Based on Sources 1 & 2, in what way has the role played by Hong Kong in
China’s economic development changed?
3.
Based on Sources 1 & 2, why has Hong Kong’s role changed as mentioned in
Question 2?
4.
Which two of the above Sources hold similar views about the relationship
between Hong Kong and Shanghai?
What is that view?
6
5.
Is the relationship between Shanghai and Hong Kong one of competition or of
mutual development?
6.
Will the status of Hong Kong be replaced by Shanghai eventually?