Hong Kong and China economic links
Hong Kong and China are now economically interdependent, which is different from economic
integration. It is only by being separate from China, under the "one country two systems" concept,
that Hong Kong brings benefits to China.
Hong Kong is valuable to China and is an essential link with the world:
It accounts for one third of China's foreign exchange.
70% of foreign investment in China is from Hong Kong.
1.5-2.0 m people in Guangdong province work directly or indirectly for Hong Kong.
It provides management expertise and training.
Hong Kong visitors are the major element of China's tourism income.
Annual trade between Hong Kong and China has grown 1500% to HK$343bn (US$44bn) over the past 10 years.
China's dependence on Hong Kong has increased since the open door policy:
e.g. HK share of China's total exports :
26% in 1983
42% in 1989
Southern China and business there is largely unaffected by the austerity campaign in China.