Security wall

With over 10,000 protestors descending to Hong Kong, the local government is not taking any chances. Almost 9,000 cops are stationed all ove...

With over 10,000 protestors descending to Hong Kong, the local government is not taking any chances. Almost 9,000 cops are stationed all over the city, and the entire area near the summit venue has been cordoned off from Monday evening.

Hong Kong citizens have been asked not to crowd any railway stations or bus stations by making the stations as meeting points for friends or relatives. Some protestors are however complaining that their hotel bookings have been cancelled after they reached Hong Kong in order to deter them from making any trouble during the ministerial summit. This is also the first time since its accession by China that 3,200 journalists have gathered at Hong Kong to cover the WTO meet. The city is taking extra precautions to show its liberal face to the world media by earmarking separate parks for the protestors.

Rooms to few

Hotels and the local tourism industry here, however, are pleased with the WTO meeting. Almost all the hotels have put up a No Vacancy sign while the restaurants are bursting with people. The tourism industry is also witnessing a mini boom of sorts, as many delegates are making plans for sightseeing even when the negotiations will be on. Hotels have also hiked prices considering the high demand for rooms and many walk-in guests are willing to pay what the hotels demand as tariff. Indians everywhere Indians seem to have taken over Hong Kong City. From journalists, NGOs to bureaucrats, anyone related to the WTO, is here. With India becoming an important voice in the world8217;s trade negotiations body, all eyes are on what the Indian minister will say. Developed countries have already started bilateral talks with India to see what is the final package on offer by the Indian government. For now, it is India everywhere, even as its big emerging trading partner, China is keeping low-profile this time round. China does not want to ruffle feathers in the developed world and at the same time keen to reap all benefits India can negotiate on behalf of the developing world.

Merry X8217;mas?

Hong Kong city is painted red, literally, gearing for Christmas. Bill boards and signages as big as skycrappers are wishing Merry Christmas, at least two weeks in advance. Malls too are offering huge discounts and with almost 20,000 delegates arriving across the world for the WTO meeting, shopkeepers are in a bullish mood.

Coffin and puppets

Protestors at WTO talks are always devising new ways to attract attention. Besides brandishing puppets of world leaders, South Korean protestors bought a coffin to the meeting venue. More than 1,000 South Korean protesters 8212; considered to be the most violent of all protesters, waved banners that decried WTO and carried a mock coffin to signify the death of the Geneva-based trade body in the island city8217;s Victoria. 8220;Down, Down WTO!8221; they chanted.

American security

Despite the heavy security provided by the hosts, Americans seem to have more faith in their own arrangements. So when US trade representative Rob Portman walks into the conference venue, an extra 10 guards and secretaries walk in with him. With the world media hounding him for bytes, Portman8217;s security was more busy blocking the TV cameras and reporters than doing any other work. Portman, but, was more than eager to talk to journalists.

8212; Dev Chatterjee