Hong Kong is far more congested, in terms of the narrowness of its streets as today’s buildings and traffic overwhelm a street network laid out in the 19th century.

Second, public-private partnerships work when there is a clearly distinguishable revenue stream and where risk and responsibility for funding can be sensibly passed to the private sector. In Hong Kong, such partnerships have worked for the three cross-harbour tunnels, for example. Otherwise, they can be controversial – as when in 2009, Chicago leased parking meters for 75 years for a mere US$1.2 billion. (The city needed the money.)

On the other hand, I agree with the author that Hong Kong’s streets should be more pedestrian-friendly.

More outdoor escalator systems up hillsides, and more walkways above the traffic, please. (Contrary to conventional thinking elsewhere, traffic – even if it is slow-moving – and pedestrians don’t mix in Hong Kong.)

Pedestrianise much of Des Voeux Road West. Require buildings to provide awnings to protect passing pedestrians. Require goods vehicles to unload in off-peak hours.

Shorten bus routes where buses are running largely empty.

Boost the ferry network not just across the harbour but also along the shore; the government can afford a modest subsidy.

Crucially, the government could do all of the above tomorrow, and without resorting to public-private partnerships.

Andrew Kinloch, Mid-Levels

Attracting talent is a matter of culture and soul

Hong Kong is relatively homogeneous, unlike major international cities. Melbourne, with a population of around 5 million, is a melting pot of many cultures. This makes it hugely attractive to those who are considering relocation because the range of cultures allows new arrivals to feel at home, but also to go beyond the familiar and embrace something new.

In Hong Kong, it is unlikely that the demographics will change dramatically in the short run, but cultural initiatives can be rolled out. The establishment of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau is a welcome start to strengthening policy coordination.

More should be done to develop Hong Kong into an international cultural hub. We can perhaps draw inspiration from Melbourne’s St Kilda Festival, which is an annual outdoor celebration of music and culture.

If Hong Kong is a fusion of East and West, an international cultural calendar with monthly themes should be created to foster a vibrant cultural scene. The relevant bureau should step up efforts to bring in different cultural festivals.

There is, of course, much to preserve, even as we enrich our cultural diversity. The wide selection of food and accessible eateries will continue to appeal to international visitors. Traditional Chinese culture and historic architecture should be kept as far as possible to reflect Hong Kong’s unique place in the world.

It isn’t difficult to welcome visitors from around the world. But if we hope to attract and retain talent, the soul of the city must be preserved.

John Ng, Lai Chi Kok

Hong Kong buskers should master marketing too

During a trip to Cologne, Germany in 1993, I came across a band, seemingly from North Africa, busking in a fountain square swarming with tourists. They sang and played the guitar and flute, and a desolate wind seemed to blow through the audience.

But as soon as they finished playing, an assistant started handing out leaflets and selling CDs. The leaflet offered the band’s services for celebrations and occasions.

In Hong Kong, the busking scene is just heating up. Singers and bands seem shy in their pursuit of singing careers. They should devote themselves to making people stop and listen, and maybe have a marketing plan – like those street performers in Germany. Success requires calculation.

Edmond Pang, Fanling