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.
Source 2
Source 3
/
Shanghai has elite talents
The advantages Shanghai has a strong
of Shanghai
industrial base, a wealth
of industrial, commercial
and technology talents
and the East China plain
as her support base
B.
The role of
An intermediary
Hong Kong
A bridge between the
An intermediary
mainland and the rest
of the world
C.
D.
How Hong
/
Strengthen cooperation There is need to engineer
Kong can
with commercial
the transplant of
strengthen
organizations in the
science and technology
/maintain her
mainland
so as to bring in more
competitive
high calibre talents from
power
Shanghai
The relationship It is only a matter of time Shanghai and Hong
There will be closer
between
for Shanghai to get
Kong will in the end
economic cooperation
Shanghai and
ahead of Hong Kong
become more
between Shanghai and
integrated
Hong Kong and the two
Hong Kong
cities will complement
each other
5
2.
Based on Sources 1 & 2, in what way has the role played by Hong Kong in
China’s economic development changed?
Answer for reference: Hong Kong’s role as an intermediary is gradually becoming not
so important.
3.
Based on Sources 1 & 2, why has Hong Kong’s role changed as mentioned in
Question 2?
Answer for reference: (1) After 20 years of reform and opening up, the mainland of
China now trades directly with most countries and regions of the world without Hong
Kong as an intermediary. (2) The continued opening up of China and improvements
to its infrastructure have reduced its need for an entrepot.
4.
Which two of the above Sources hold similar views about the relationship
between Hong Kong and Shanghai?
What is that view?
Answer for reference: Sources 2 & 3 share similar views.
They both believe that
Hong Kong and Shanghai complement each other and help the economic development
of China.
6
5.
Is the relationship between Shanghai and Hong Kong one of competition or of
mutual development?
Students are free to give any answers as long as they make sense.
Students may consider the following aspects: the strengths, advantages, new
development initiatives, human resources, past experiences etc. of Shanghai and
Hong Kong.
6.
Will the status of Hong Kong be replaced by Shanghai eventually?
Students are free to give any answers as long as they make sense.
Students may consider that, up to this moment, Hong Kong is a financial centre,
which Shanghai is not. The dismissal of Hong Kong is therefore not that easy.