Introduction

Abstract

Like all other places, Hong Kong along with its inhabitants, has a history; but unlike most other places, during the whole record of its history, its economy has been strongly influenced by external events, largely beyond its control. Another distinctive feature is that by and large all Hong Kong history is economic history in the sense that the birth and growth of the island economy have been shaped by economic forces. The problem is to balance this economic aspect against other socio-political aspects.