I refer to the article 'Partners, not competitors' (October 2), by Tsang Yok-sing, chairman of the Democratic Alliance for Betterment of Hong Kong (DAB). Can Mr Tsang explain to people at the grassroots, whom his party claims to represent, how they can perceive Shanghai as a partner and not a competitor? He outlined the benefits of co-operation with Shanghai to business but not to the people of Hong Kong. A businessman, I appreciate his meaning. However, his message gives false hope to the public. Does Shanghai see Hong Kong as a partner? In reality Shanghai is beating Hong Kong like a drum in competing for business and human resources. During the last three years all my imports to the US have originated from Shanghai. A former subordinate of mine in Hong Kong is now pondering his future as his American employer will move its entire operation to Shanghai with no plan to bring its current employees. Therefore, I hope that Mr Tsang can bring good news on how the DAB delegation's visit to Shanghai can help people like my former subordinate, a professional accountant, and his Hong Kong colleagues, who include secretaries, programmers and truck drivers. I see Shanghai as a partner; so does the aforementioned American company. But to the Hong Kong people who are about to lose their jobs to Shanghai, his message is simply a cliche. TONY YUEN, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
