Hong Kong: Global Financial Powerhouse

A Global Financial Powerhouse and Special Administrative Region

History, Economy, Geography, and Central District

• Geography and Key Facts
• Historical Timeline
• British Colonial Era
• Path to Handover
• Economy and Freedom
• Top Sectors and Stats
• Central Business District
• Conclusion

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Photo by Danielle Cerullo on Unsplash

1

Geography and Key Facts

A densely populated special administrative region of China

• 7.5 million residents in 1,114 km² (430 sq mi)
• Fourth-most densely populated region in the world
• Highest life expectancy globally
• Public transport usage exceeding 90%
• Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.955 (8th worldwide)
• Alpha+ global city
• Most skyscrapers in the world

• 7.5M: Population
• 0.955: HDI Rank
• 90%+: Transport Usage
• 1st: Skyscrapers
• 3rd: Financial Centre

2

Historical Development

From fishing villages to international hub

1842: Hong Kong Island Ceded Treaty of Nanking after First Opium War 1860: Kowloon Peninsula Added After Second Opium War 1898: New Territories Leased 99-year lease (86.2% of land) 1941-1945: Japanese Occupation During World War II 1984: Sino-British Declaration Handover agreed 1997: Handover to China Becomes Special Administrative Region (SAR)

3

British Hong Kong

1841-1997 under British rule

• 1841: British occupation of Hong Kong Island (Convention of Chuenpi)
• 1843: Established as Crown Colony
• 1860: Kowloon Peninsula ceded in perpetuity
• 1898: 99-year lease on New Territories
• Ruled as Crown colony until 1981, then dependent territory
• Handover in 1997 due to lease expiration

> Economic and social systems in Hong Kong would remain relatively unchanged for 50 years.

— Sino-British Joint Declaration (1984)

4

Hong Kong Economy

Highly developed free-market economy

• Low taxation and almost free port trade
• Well-established international financial market
• Hong Kong dollar (HKD) pegged to USD
• No central bank; HKMA as regulator
• Positive non-interventionism
• Dependent on international trade and finance
• Favorable for startups: 998 in 2014 to 2800+ in 2018

• 8.58: Freedom Score
• 2800+: Startups (2018)
• 3rd: Financial Centre
• 9th: Traded Currency
• 2nd: Billionaires

🛍️ eCommerce 22% of startups

💰 Fintech 12%

🖥️ Software 12%

📣 Advertising 11%

5

Central, Hong Kong

The central business district

Location and Importance Northeastern Hong Kong Island North shore of Victoria Harbour Multinational HQs Consulates and former govt site

Historical Role Trade center since 1841 British colonial heart Flourishes post-1997 Proximity to harbour key

• Symbol of economic prowess
• Blend of East and West
• Tourist magnet

Hong Kong: Resilience, Innovation, and Global Influence under 'One Country, Two Systems'

SAR until at least 2047 – A story of transformation and success