THE ECONOMY AND TRADE
1.
textiles were
Other products
Manufacturing is the dominant economic activity: the earliest, and still are the most important sector. include plastics, electrical and electronic goods, scientific instru- ments, watches and photographic and optical equipment.
2. Trade and commerce are also significant. Recently, Hong Kong has also developed as a financial and tourist centre. Agriculture is small: most of the territory is unproductive mountainland and
agricultural production meets only a small proportion of local demand. The fishing industry, however, is considerable.
3.
The major activities are (1977 data):
Activity
% of Employment
% of Output
Manufacturing
44%
26%
Wholesale and retail
trade, hotels and
restaurants
20%
23%
Community, social and
personal services
16%
16%
Construction
7%
6%
Transport and communications
7%
6%
Finance, insurance, real
estate, business services
3%
20%
Agriculture, fishing and mining
26
Public utilities
1%
2%
Economic Factors
4. Hong Kong has no natural resources apart from its sheltered harbour, the only developed deep water port on the China coast, and its work force. There is little Government intervention in the economy, except in the social and public works field, where its role is expanding.
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