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THE ECONOMY AND TRADE
1. Manufacturing is now the dominant economic activity: textiles were
the earliest, and still the most important sector. Other products include
plastics, electrical and electronic goods, scientific instruments, watches
and photographic and optical equipment.
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
44%
26%
Manufacturing
Wholesale and retail
trade, hotels and restau-
rants
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
2%
1%
Public utilities
1%
2%
Economic Factors
1. Hong Kong has no natural resources apart from its sheltered harbour, the