Course Description

The economy of Hong Kong has been closely tied to that of the Mainland throughout its history. Hong Kong has benefited and contributed to the mutual development both before and since the Mainland’s economic reform. Given the somewhat different economic systems, the interactions provide both opportunities and challenges. As Hong Kong’s economy is extremely open while the Mainland is the world’s top trading economy, the issues can also be viewed from a more global perspective, especially with recent geopolitical changes. This course provides an overview of the economic linkages between Hong Kong and the Mainland from the 20th century to the present. It traces the changing roles that Hong Kong has assumed during different phases in China’s economic development and explores the future economic roles of Hong Kong in the country and the region.

Course Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the economic interactions between Hong Kong and China since the early 20th century and particularly since China’s economic reform.
2. Identify the economic functions that Hong Kong serves for China and the underlying unique advantages of Hong Kong.
3. Apply basic economic concepts to understand economic and financial interactions between Hong Kong and the mainland.
4. Evaluate the challenges and opportunities that Hong Kong faces in response to the changing socio-economic environment in the regional and global economies.
5. Demonstrate an awareness of Hong Kong’s past, present and future.

Offer Semester and Day of Teaching

Second semester (Wed)