Laurent Blanc graduated from university in France, moved to Shanghai and took a job in a shop, while he pondered his options - as so many young graduates do. Then, one day, he met a Hong Kong entrepreneur planning to open a French bakery in Shanghai. He asked Mr Blanc to design it, hire a baker and run it - and the young man jumped at the chance.
'I would never have such an opportunity at home,' said Mr Blanc. 'I have never run a business before and have a lot to learn, but how could I refuse?' It is the hope of getting just such a contract that has attracted thousands of foreigners to Shanghai from Europe, North America, Japan and South Korea.
Last week, the city's Labour and Social Welfare Bureau announced that, by the end of June, there were 92,000 non-mainlanders, from 152 countries, working in the city. They comprised 42,000 from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau, and 50,000 from foreign countries. In addition, there are thousands more working who have not registered.
The bureau said that 18,325 foreigners joined the Shanghai workforce last year, compared with 4,047 in 2000. Eighty-six per cent work in foreign-invested companies, nearly 90 per cent have university degrees, and most hold management or technical positions. More than half, 53 per cent, work in the service sector. The top three countries of origin are Japan, the United States and South Korea. This rapid growth reflects the boom in outside investment. Hundreds of foreign firms have set up their China or Asian headquarters in Shanghai. The city is becoming increasingly friendly to foreigners, and is no longer considered a hardship post.
Shanghai now boasts many foreign schools, and clubs and hotels offering sports and recreation activities. It has supermarkets and megastores with a wide range of foreign food and drink, and a dazzling array of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The worsening job market for young people in Europe and Japan, and the emergence of Shanghai as a trendy, 'brand-name city', are also driving the workers' migration. Thousands of people in their 20s, many unable to speak Putonghua, come here in the hope of finding work and a better life. The low costs of rent, transport, food and nightlife - compared to Tokyo, Seoul, Paris and London - mean they can enjoy a higher living standard with the same money.
With the economy growing at 10 per cent a year, there is no sign of a backlash from Shanghai natives angry that foreigners are taking their jobs. Most seem to welcome the new arrivals, saying they bring new skills and colour, and draw Shanghai closer to its objective of becoming a major international city. If the city keeps growing, many more will follow Mr Blanc's example.
