Introductuion Hong Kong, the pearl of Asia has been the center of trade and finance in Asia since the early 20th century. In a short history of about 150 years, Hong Kong has become the source of growth for many nearby economies. In a certain sense, it can be even said that it is a merchant city founded and managed by businessmen. Traditional "hongs" or trade houses of Hong Kong were the pillar of the economy. …showed first 75 words of 2471 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2471 total…government. If the mainland interferes too much in Hong Kong, it status will decline as the international free port city that has made it so prosperous. Biblography Chan, Anthong B., Li Ka Shing, Hong Kong's Elusive Billionaire, Oxford University Press, 1996. Clifford, Mark L, The Taipan's Last Chance, Businessweek, April 26, 1999. Kraar, Louis, Inside Li Ka Shing's Empire, Fortune, March 29, 1999. King, Frank H H, The History of the HongKong Shanghi Banking Coporation, 4 volumes (Cambridge University Press, 1987-91)