Foreigners make a big contribution
Sam Wong ('Expats have done little to benefit city', January 3) clearly feels aggrieved at the presence of foreigners in this wonderful city.
He may be correct that Hong Kong's competitiveness does not depend solely on expatriates or domestic helpers (whom he groups together); however both contribute greatly to it.
'Expatriates', or 'foreigners', come to Hong Kong for work opportunities, yes, but to say they do not make a contribution demonstrates a blinkered view.
They provide a diversity of skills, expertise and experience that enriches Hong Kong.
Many choose to make Hong Kong their permanent home and have made a huge contribution to our society. Many have learned Cantonese, married into the community and become part of it.
This is often achieved with considerable effort. The difficulties faced by non-Chinese-speaking foreigners who are not on hefty salary packages in educating their children, and by domestic helpers who are victims of rampant abuse and are often not paid the legal minimum, are two examples.
