Chinese whispers have it that Hong Kong has been losing its edge to sky-high Shanghai as a key business centre and financial conduit. Yet you only need to try securing an airline seat and hotel bed on the dates you want, and at anything less than eye-watering rates, to realise that the whispers are…well, a load of Hong Kong phooey. Realise, too, that Fat Pang – honourable local nickname of last British governor Chris Patten – was right when he said Hong Kong is a never-saydie kind of place. Head respectfully bowed to the rain that’s ever present in these humid island parts, the exiting Pang predicted only a blip in the territory’s competitiveness following its reversion to mainland rule; a temporary crisis of confidence that ultimately would fail to dampen Hong Kong’s inbred entrepreneurial spirit, soften its cutting edge or smother its fierce sense of autonomy. Ten years on, with additional blips such as the Asian economic crisis and SARS sandwiched in between, Hong Kong remains one of the sharpest and most resilient of tools in the oriental business box, as well as arguably still the favourite base for western forays into China. Primarily because, in comparison to the real or perceived hierarchical shadows and complex business protocols of some of its mainland neighbours, this is largely an easy to fathom, up front, what-you-see-is-what-you-get city. What you see is a toned up, outwardly expanding skyline denoting an ever-expanding eye to new investment opportunities. What you get is a tuned in and remarkably straightforward, if unashamedly abrupt, no-nonsense approach to your participation in those opportunities. Beyond its penchant for lavish client entertaining and wearing its wealth on its sleeve, Hong Kong doesn't care to stand on protracted eastern business ceremony; has little time for the slow burn of acquaintance, shuns the time- wasting or those pontificating over a guaranteed safety net. This is, after all, the original regional gateway for major players, honed on the free flow of capital, unfettered trade and a bureaucracy-busting mentality. A place that’s always been turbocharged in the chase for money; where you can score big but equally lose your shirt and, either way, quickly move on to another project. Although undoubtedly bruised of ego by cities it sees as either shallow upstarts or pretenders to its liberal business throne, Hong Kong has no truck for sentiment or self-pity; merely adapting itself to shifting moods and market forces with remarkable alacrity, bolstered by a cultured underbelly and burgeoning meetings and tourism industries. The accompanying business structure remains as solid as you’ll find anywhere in the Far East, and the continuously updated ancillaries are equally reliable, from inter-connecting and properly functioning public transport systems to a formidable selection of hotels and an everchanging canvas of bars and restaurants appealing to all tastes, ages and budgets.
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