TNAG-0936-FCO40-1155-Visit-of-Norman-Fowler--Minister-of-Transport--to-Hong-Kong--1980 — Page 127

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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