Hong Kong's expanding export-import trade and importance as a capital market have made it one of the major economic centers of Asia, second only to Tokyo. Consequently, the reversion of this previously capitalist city to the People's Republic of China ten years from now will have serious ramifications for the Western financial world. There is much speculation concerning the impact of communist control of the three principal factors which have contributed to Hong Kong's current standing: its political and social stability, economic reform, and the British legal system.

Explores Hong Kong's history and culture in detail, profiling the powers behind Hong Kong's business and political worlds.

This book provides an overview of Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre, focusing especially on how Hong Kong has contributed significantly, and continues to contribute significantly, to China’s economic development. It considers the importance of Hong Kong’s stock market in raising finance for Chinese companies, explores the potential of Hong Kong as an offshore financial centre, and discusses recent regulatory reforms. It concludes by assessing the prospects for Hong Kong’s continuing success as a global financial centre, and puts forward recommendations for policies which would help secure continuing success.