
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is very small—it is only a dot on a map
of the world.
Hong Kong only has an area of 1,095 square kilometres, less than
one-100,000th of the global area. Its population of 6.73 million is
one-1,000th of the world's population. However, Hong Kong enjoys big
fame in the world over. Reputed as an international financial, trading,
shipping, information, tourism and free port, it is the world champion
in a dozen fields.
China resumed the sovereignty over Hong Kong at zero hour, July 1, 1997.
The inland China is also the largest market for Hong Kong's entrepot
trade and the top source of re-export goods. Hong Kong earns more than
120 billion HK dollars a year from entrepot trade with the inland China.
Tourism has been a pillar of Hong Kong's economy for decades. IN 2003,
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) received 15.537 million
visitors by turnstile count, of whom 6.83 million from the inland China.
Hong Kong is acknowledged as a shopping paradise, dietary world, leisure
summer resort, and culture window as well.
The Chinese Government has on many occasions reiterated its commitment
to a stable and prosperous Hong Kong by adhering to the policy of "one
country, two systems," "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong," and "a
high degree of autonomy," which are all guaranteed in the Basic Law of
the HKSAR. The Basic Law stipulates in legal terms that the current
economic and social systems as well as the lifestyle in Hong Kong will
remain intact. The central government will leave Hong Kong affairs to
the HKSAR government, with the exception of issues related to defense
and foreign affairs. While guaranteeing complete financial independence
for Hong Kong, the Basic Law requires the HKSAR to ensure a proper
economic and legal environment to retain its status as an international
financial centre and free port. |
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