As companies continue to expand into Asia and China, reshape their organizational structures, relocate their plants and enter new markets, they create cross-border opportunities for talented professionals.

The Shanghai municipal government is well known for its penchant for setting lofty goals. It wants to re-establish the city’s former status as an international center for almost everything, from finance to culture, entertainment and style.

Shanghai is on course to become the world’s top air cargo hub by 2015, according to the head of the city’s airport authority.

Shanghai may choose to look beyond Hong Kong for its model of development. But in Hong Kong, diligent traffic management has made the roads safe for both motorists and pedestrians. We keep hearing Shanghai officials extolling their “human-oriented” approach to development.

Of Chinese cities, Shanghai ranked the highest, coming in at 36th place. Other Chinese cities to make the list were Beijing, in 55th place, Shenzhen, in 67th, and Guangzhou, in 109th.