Stephen;
<<The first is Worswick's assertion that HK has had its day, it may be Shanghai's next. My two cents worth: I think this most likely will be the trend, this being the intention of some of the major power brokers in Beijing (just so they can then point to a model that a new Shanghai can flourish and dominate China's economy under the auspices of "Socialist Capitalism" over HK, >>
I agree that it is an intention of China to develop a world class center for transport, education, financial services, and trade but am not so convinced that it is political drost that compels them. Shanghai's geographic location at the mouth of the great river may be reason enough. If you look further north to the activity in Dalien then a pattern begins to emerge. As the huge, pent up market that is China begins to open under new rules, it seems clear to me that Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Dalien become strategic transport and commercial activity sites for all that China has to offer commercially. These eastward and soutward facing locations become even more important in the context of a China that is increasingly becoming part of the global economic patterns that are reshaping things. As the rules relax China will be ably aided and abetted by a virtual army of well to do, savvy, and extremely capable "off-shore" Chinese.
Best,
Stitch
Some reference reading: "Understanding China" by John Bryant Starr, The Search For Modern China" by Jonathon Spence, "The Bamboo Network" by Murray Weidenbaum, and "Lords of the Rim" by Sterling Seagrave |
