The former British colony of Hong Kong is frequently cited as a classic example of limited government and free market capitalism. The island is widely considered to be one of the last bastions of free enterprise, and by governmental measures the least regulated marketplace. In many papers, Hong Kong is therefore referred to as a so called "laissez-faire" system. This paper examines to what extent the nature of laissez-faire can in fact be accounted for in colonial but especially post-colonial Hong Kong politics.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The problem examined in this study
- Purpose of the paper and research methods
- Definitions
- Laissez-Faire
- Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China
- Economic and financial policies in Hong Kong
- Policies in late imperial Hong Kong
- Structural economic changes under British rule
- Minimalist vs. interventionist state
- Economic development under Chinese rule
- The public sector: Government expenditure
- Examples of governmental intervention
- Regulations on trade and enterprises
- Beijing's influence on Hong Kong's economy
- Policies in late imperial Hong Kong
- Conclusion: Hong Kong and its image of laissez-faire
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper explores the extent to which Hong Kong can be characterized as a "laissez-faire" system. It investigates the economic and financial policies implemented during both colonial and post-colonial periods, particularly focusing on the level of government intervention in the market. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the "free market" and "governmental interference" dynamics within Hong Kong's economic landscape.
- Governmental intervention in Hong Kong's economy during colonial and post-colonial periods
- The applicability of the "laissez-faire" definition to Hong Kong's market
- The impact of economic policies on social welfare and economic growth in Hong Kong
- The historical context and unique characteristics of Hong Kong as a former British colony and now a Chinese Special Administrative Region
- The interplay between economic and political structures in shaping Hong Kong's economic landscape
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction lays out the key problem, purpose, and research methods used in this study. It provides definitions of "laissez-faire" and outlines the unique position of Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region of China. The chapter also addresses the theoretical framework of "economic freedom" and highlights the importance of a balanced approach to government intervention.
The second chapter examines economic and financial policies in Hong Kong, starting with the colonial period. It explores the structural economic changes under British rule, including the development of Hong Kong as a "treaty port" for British trade with China. The chapter then shifts to the post-colonial period, exploring the economic development under Chinese rule, including government expenditure, interventionist measures, and regulations on trade and enterprises. It also discusses the influence of Beijing on Hong Kong's economy.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key keywords and focus topics of this paper are: Hong Kong, laissez-faire, economic freedom, government intervention, market regulation, colonial legacy, post-colonial development, Special Administrative Region, China, economic policies, free market, free trade, structural economic changes, public sector, trade and enterprises, Beijing's influence.
- Quote paper
- Marco Klapper (Author), 2009, Hong Kong. The self-imposed image of "laissez-faire", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/143167
