Shanghai a mecca for Hong Kong talent
By Sammy Chan (China Daily HK Edition)
Updated: 2005-09-02 15:48

Given Shanghai's dire need for seasoned business managers, opportunities are plentiful for Hong Kong professionals, said a top executive of a talent match-making agency.

"Shanghai particularly favours professionals in such sectors as finance, securities and insurance, as the city's economy continues to show strong momentum and is further integrated into the world economy," Zhang Zhenbei, chief executive officer of newly-established Hong Kong-Shanghai International Exchange of Personnel Co Ltd, told China Daily.

The city, too, is in need of experienced hands in the exhibition and property sectors. Shanghai will host the World Expo in 2010.

"Shanghai is really short of veterans in those industries," Zhang said. "This would offer a wealth of opportunities for Hong Kong talents who are seasoned in the world's exhibition centre."

Zhang's company, a joint venture of Shanghai Association for International Exchange of Personnel and Shanghai Industrial Investment Co, was established last month to facilitate personnel flows between the cities.

Zhang said the mainland's largest municipality is pressing ahead with attractive measures to scoop more Hong Kong talents to fuel its long-term development amid a transformation from a manufacturing powerhouse into an international financial hub.

The measures include simplification of entry and employment procedures, acceptance of application for residential certificates in Hong Kong and better access to international schools for their children.

"Hong Kong talents, especially high-level managers, are among the most competitive in Shanghai's labour market," he added.

Zhang believes Hongkongers with language advantages and a better understanding of the mainland situation could find their right niche in Shanghai, standing a better chance than foreigners.

About 1,300 Hong Kong professionals, aged between 30 and 50, have found jobs in Shanghai since the end of 2003. More than 20 per cent were from the property sector, 16 per cent from the consultancy sector, and 14.4 per cent from the financial industry.

Zhang also vowed his company will do its best to help local people to find positions in Shanghai.

It would release updates of Shanghai's labour policies and vacancies of big companies.

The company is also expected to introduce mainland talents to work in Hong Kong.

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