The Myth of a Free Hong Kong Economy

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MachineGhost
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The Myth of a Free Hong Kong Economy

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The dark secret at the heart of Hong Kong is the unmitigated collusion between the government and a property cartel - controlled by just a few tycoons; the Lis, the Kwoks, the Lees, the Chengs, the Pao and Woo duo, and the Kadoories (more about them on part 2 of this report). These tycoons and their close business associates also happen to dominate seats on the 1,200-member Election Committee that chooses Hong Kong's chief executive.

Part 1 of 2: http://atimes.com/atimes/China_Business/NH02Cb01.html

This short presentation may offer a measure of how a few monopolies and oligopolies control most of the daily life of an average Hongkonger. It suggests Hong Kong, rather than being a "free" society, is actually the domain of captive markets.

By any definition, a captive market is a market where very few actors exercise a monopoly. Captive markets - which imply scarce competition - yield immense profits, without relation to costs of production.


Part 2 of 2: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China_Busi ... 3Cb02.html
Last edited by MachineGhost on Fri Aug 03, 2012 11:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"All generous minds have a horror of what are commonly called 'Facts'. They are the brute beasts of the intellectual domain." -- Thomas Hobbes

Disclaimer: I am not a broker, dealer, investment advisor, physician, theologian or prophet.  I should not be considered as legally permitted to render such advice!
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