The Shanghai government recently invited Hong Kong media representatives to visit its city and meet with municipal party chief Yu Zhengsheng.The trip was conducted very efficiently, as efficiency has become the hallmark of officials in this fast-pace mainland city.
At the outset, the SAR delegates were told they would meet Yu right after stepping off the plane, so they should dress appropriately.
Members of the group made the most of the occasion by putting in as many questions as possible, and Yu patiently replied.
When time was almost up, his staff notified everyone it was time for the last question, and the meeting concluded strictly on schedule.
Such precise adherence to time was evident not only at the meeting with Yu, but other officials as well. Obviously, the idea that "time is money," - so cherished by Hong Kong people - has now taken root in Shanghai.
Yangshan, one of the key ports in the Yangtze River Delta, was another destination during this media visit.
This city has been chosen as the main thrust of redevelopment in the delta. Work has already started, showing the authorities are wasting no time in enhancing Shanghai's role as a shipping hub.
Shanghai will hold the World Expo next year, and tickets will be sold through China Travel Service. A central feature of the expo venue is a gigantic canopy.
It won't be as big as the one planned for the West Kowloon cultural district, and part of it will be dismantled after the event, but it is st
ill quite spectacular.The canopy originally planned for West Kowloon was to be made with an environmentally friendly thin membrane, the kind subsequently at the National Aquatic Centre, or Water Cube, venue for aquatic events at last year's Beijing Olympics.
Now, Shanghai will beat Hong Kong in putting up a gigantic canopy as well.
Despite reports that the world financial doldrums might have dampened the mood of certain participating countries, the 2010 Expo will certainly be successful and worth seeing. Siu Sai-wo is chief editor of Sing Tao Daily
