As Shanghai's mayor since 1995, Xu Kuangdi has been the architect of the city's rocketing growth. He spoke with TIME reporter Isabella Ng about the city's future and its position vis-a-vis Hong Kong.
TIME: Will Shanghai replace Hong Kong as a financial and trading hub?
Xu: Shanghai's goal is to become the major financial, trading and economic center west of the Pacific Ocean. Shanghai is also trying to become an international city in 15 years' time. But I don't think we can replace Hong Kong. Shanghai has advantages. There are seven provinces along the Yangtze River. These account for a third...