“Is Hong Kong really a financial rival to New York? In 2006, it surpassed Wall Street in initial public offerings (IPOs). And one morning last June, Hong Kong’s Financial Services Secretary K.C. Chan made a rare trip to Moscow. Addressing an audience of Russian government officials and businessmen, he made a blunt pitch: ‘Hong Kong is your best partner in reaching out to the international market,’ he insisted. ‘Hong Kong possesses strong credentials to provide quality services.’ That Mr. Chan believes he can lure Russian investors away from London or New York is an indication of how Wall Street’s Asian rivals have been gaining ground for some time now.” [editor’s note: If we are truly headed for a “global economy” (or actually already in one), let it be one based on true “free trade” … not veiled military threats and government sanctions - SAT] (10/09/08)