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    The Hong Kong Economic Policy Studies Series

    Printed copies of these monographs are available for purchase.

     Please kindly contact us at (852) 2547 8313 or hkcer@econ.hku.hk

 

 

 
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Towards Open Skies and Uncongested Airports: an Opportunity for Hong Kong

by Kai-sun Kwong (English/Chinese) 1988

 

A study of the benefits of liberalizing the international airlines industry. it proposes that the Hong Kong Government should adopt a policy of bilateral open skies and auction off landing slots.
 

 
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Contact us:



The Hong Kong Centre for Economic Research

HKU Business School

The University of Hong Kong

Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 2547 8313

Fax: (852) 2548 6319

Email:  hkcer@econ.hku.hk

 

Director:  Prof. Y.C. Richard Wong

Executive Director:   Dr. Alan K.F. Siu

 


 

香港經濟研究中心

香港薄扶林道港大經管學院

電話: (852) 2547-8313

傳真: (852) 2548-6319

電子郵址: hkcer@econ.hku.hk

 

中心主任: 王于漸教授

中心副主任: 卲啟發博士

 

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Market Environmentalism: Lessons for Hong Kong

by Jo Ann Kwong (English/Chinese) 1990

 

A study of free market approaches to environmental problems and its application to Hong Kong. Special emphasis on water, air and noise pollution.
 

 

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Friedman in China

by Milton Friedman (English/Chinese) 1990

 

A collection of Milton Friedman's lectures delivered in China during his two visits in 1980 and 1988. Includes Friedman's memorandum to the purged Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Zhao Ziyang and a transcript of their meeting in 1988.

 

 

 

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International Telecommunications in Hong Kong: The Case for Liberalization

by Milton Muller (English/Chinese) 1991

 

A study of the criticality of international telecommunications in Hong Kong. The author analyzes the theory and practice of liberalization in telecommunications, examines the price of monopoly in Hong Kong, and considers why liberalization would be highly desirable. Awarded second place, 1992 Sir Antony Fisher International Memorial Awards.

 

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中國經濟改革 - 分析、反省、前瞻

徐滇慶‧雷鼎鳴‧張欣合編 (中文版) 1991
 

中國大陸自七十年代末期展開一連串經濟改革,從根本上改變了中國經濟的面貌,也寫下了市場經濟在社會主義國家中蓬勃發展的先例。然而,中國的經濟改革和開放,欠缺一個完整的理論作為根據,也沒有前人的寶貴經驗可供參考。此外,加上政治對經濟多方面的影響,使中國的經濟在改革十年後漸漸迷失了方向。在探討中國經濟的新出路時,改革開始以來的經驗,成為不可多得和必要的參考材料。

 

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Health Care in Hong Kong: An Economic Policy Assessment

by Joel Hay (English/Chinese) 1992

 

A study of the critical problems facing Hong Kong in health care stemming from the public provision of medical and health services. The author proposes to adopt a publicly subsidized decentralized competitive insurance system called ChoiceCare to improve efficiency and allow greater choice for patients.

 

 

 

 

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Air Cargo and the Opening of China

by Joseph P. Schwieterman (English) 1993

 

The building of a new airport in Hong Kong creates an opportunity to review the existing practices and policies regulating the allocation of landing and takeoff slots, access to terminals and gates, and air services agreements for passenger and cargo flights. The issue gains additional importance not only because it has implications for maximizing the return on the investment in the airport, but also for the future development of Hong Kong as an economic centre in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

 

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Planning Rules and Urban Economic Performance:

The Case of Hong Kong

by Samuel R. Staley (English/Chinese) 1994

 

This book explains the contractual basis of the Hong Kong urban and land planning system, and how it encourages growth by protecting private property rights and ensuring economic markets work smoothly and efficiently. It includes a critical assessment of the recommendations proposed by the Hong Kong Government in its Comprehensive Review of the Town Planning Ordinance.
 

 

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Clearing the Air: Vehicular Emission Policy for Hong Kong

by F.W. Rusco and W.D. Walls (English) 1995

 

A study of vehicular emissions. It is found that air quality in Hong Kong compares well to that of most major cities in the industrialized world. Besides, the authors analyse effects of different public policies on air pollution and show effective ways for pollution abatement. Published by the Chinese University Press in 1995.
 

 

 

 

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國體與經體 - 對阿當‧斯密夫原理的一種詮釋

Joseph Cropsey著‧鄧文正譯 (中文版) 1995

 

阿當‧斯密夫是近代經濟學的鼻祖,引用他的著作來替經濟政策辯護的論著很多;然而,探討他所構思的社會經濟理論背後的道德理論基礎的論著卻很少。本書作者正是從道德理論的層面來探討斯密夫社會經濟學說的立論基礎。


 

 

 

獨共南山守中國

胡國亨著 (中文版) 1995

 

二十世紀末的今天,西方文化及其衍生的現代化成為世界文化的主流已是不爭的事實。西化、現代化、國際主義、全球文化、世界人等等的觀念,已滲透我們的社會;西方的基礎觀念,如人權、自主、平等、民主、法治、進步、理性等亦成為我們不少人中不再置疑的價值觀;西方的科學、技術、管理方法、法律制度、經濟發展模式、商業及金融等規則,已經成為我們的典範和學習的對象

 

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The Uncertain Hand: Hong Kong Taxis and Tenders

by Christopher D. Hall (English) 1996

 

This study examines the nature and effect of taxi regulation. The author finds that the Hong Kong government's regulation of the taxi business has not only increased the risk of owning taxi licences, but also reduced the quality of service. It is suggested that market mechanisms in the taxi industry should not be ignored.

 

 

 

 

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The Scheme of Control on Electricity Companies

by Pun-lee Lam (English) 1996

 

A study of regulatory mechanism of Hong Kong scheme of control on electricity industry and its implication for economic efficiency and consumer interests. Measures that can improve this mechanism as well as to enhance competition in the supply of electricity were suggested.
 

 

 

 

 

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Competition in Hong Kong's Gas Industry

by Pun-lee Lam (English) 2000

 

This study reviews the liberalization of the gas industries in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Although the industry, ownership, and regulatory structure in Hong Kong may not be the same as in those countries and areas, the authors believe lessons can be learned from their experiences. This monograph is a useful reference for government officials, policy makers and people involved in the development of fuel supplies in Hong Kong.
 

 

 

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State-Owned Enterprise Reform in China

by Justin Yifu Lin, Fang Cai, Zhou Li (English/Chinese) 2001

 

This book is a continuation of the authors' earlier publication, The China Miracle: Development Strategy and Economic Reform (1996). In this volume, the authors review the historical evolution of the SOEs, analyze the current problems, and suggest the direction for future reforms. They argue that further reforms can be achieved by eliminating the "unfair competition conditions" confronting the SOEs rather than by realigning the corporate ownership rights as so often suggested.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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    The Hong Kong Economic Policy Studies Series

 

 

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Hong Kong as an International Financial Centre: Evolution, Prospects and Policies

by Y.C. Jao (English/Chinese) 1997

 

This books asks: Why has Hong Kong succeeded in becoming an international financial centre (IFC)? Will this status survive after 1997? Will Hong Kong meet the competition from other IFCs? This book provides objective and balanced answers and makes seventeen policy recommendations.

 

 

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Technology and Industry

by Kai-sun Kwong (English/Chinese) 1997

 

This book asks: Must Hong Kong keep manufacturing to survive: What industries and jobs are at stake in the "service vs hi-tech" strategy debate? The answer is we should have both; but the goods sector must take a "design-intensive" strategy with talents from China.

 

 

 

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Port Facilities and Container Handling Services

by Leonard K. Cheng & Richard Y.C. Wong (English/Chinese) 1997

 

Hong Kong has the worlds busiest container port. Should it build more container terminals despite new container ports being developed nearby in China and Taiwan? How many and how soon? The authors analyze the container handling industry, present the projections of container cargoes, and offer policy options which favour more competition.

 

 

 

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Trade and Investment: Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan

by K.C. Fung (English/Chinese) 1997

 

The book raises and answers questions like: What is the nature and trend of trade and investment within Greater China? What local and international laws govern their business activities? How great has their mutual economic impact been? What affects Greater China's trade with the U.S., Japan and the rest of the worlds? How big really are the trade deficits, and what are the key issues of the China trade debate?

 

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Competition in Energy

by Pun-lee Lam (English/Chinese) 1997

 

The author reviews the history of the government's regulatory "Scheme of Control" and asks: What should the right mix of regulation and competition be? And, how to resolve the conflicts between the private utility firms and the demanding consumers? Suggestions made by the author are informed by Hong Kong's economic relations with China and by the British and American experiences in energy deregulation and privatization.
 

 

 

 

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Income Inequality and Economic Development

by Hon-kwong Lui (English/Chinese) 1997

 

Has income inequality in Hong Kong risen or declined? The author wonders if income inequality has come down because of Hong Kong's rapid economic growth which enabled the government to invest heavily in education and public housing. His economic analysis concludes ironically otherwise: Income inequality has risen substantially despite the well-intended education and housing policies. Types and degrees of income gaps in Hong Kong (1976-1991) are documented and some suggestions are made.
 

 

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Institutional Development of the Insurance Industry

by Ben T. Yu (English/Chinese) 1997

 

The author provides an economic and institutional analysis based on transaction cost theories, using official and survey results. The book is the first to review the history, practice and regulation of the insurance industry of Hong Kong in relation to the China factor. Policy issues discussed are: setting commission rates, reorganizing the middlemen market, exploring new organizing the middlemen market, exploring new organizational structures (mutuals, captives, and reinsurance), and preparing for the Mandatory Provident Fund.
 

 

 

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Tourism and the Hong Kong Economy

by Kai-sun Kwong (English/Chinese) 1997

 

This book analyzed characteristics, strengths, and constraints of the tourism sector of Hong Kong. It also examines Singapore's strategy on tourism and makes five sets of recommendations for Hong Kong - having an integrative mindset in developing tourism, removing barriers for people to come to Hong Kong, tapping China's potentials in tourism, becoming more attractive as a tourist location, and protecting the environment.
 

 

 

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Privatizing Water and Sewage Services

by Pun-lee Lam, Yue-cheong Chan (English/Chinese) 1997

 

How far should the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government privatize its public utilities? The authors examine the British and American experiene in privatizing public utilities. They also review Hong Kong's experience in privatizing utilities such as car parks and road tunnels. The book argues for the privatization of the water industry.
 

 

 

 

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Telecom Policy and Digital Convergence

by Milton Mueller (English/Chinese) 1997

 

Digitalization of information is eroding old boundaries between broadcasting, postal systems, telecommunications, publishing, and banking. Such a "digital convergence" deeply affects the telecommunication and broadcasting policy in Hong Kong. This book analyzes the technological drivers of the convergence process, and forecasts the impact of digital convergence on the market structure of communication, media, computer and information industries. Making a comprehensive critique of Hong Kong's restrictive licensing regime in teleommunications and broadcasting, the book offers concrete proposals for reforming laws and regulations governing the new digital-media services.

 

 

 

Town Planning in Hong Kong: A Critical Review

by Lawrence Wai-chung Lai (English/Chinese) 1997

 

This book addresses Hong Kong's hottest economic issue today: land-use planning and its effects on land supply and the housing market. How land-use planning has changed the contractual nature of property development is reviewed. The three-level planning system and the conflicts between planning ordinances and other development strategies are criticized. The book argues that the Town Planning Bill should be shelved and urges that an economic appraisal of the planning system be carried out.

 

 

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Labour Market in a Dynamic Economy

by Wing Suen and William Chan (English/Chinese) 1997

 

Hong Kong's success of being one of the fastest growing economies in the world is attributed to the resilience and adaptability of the labour force. In search of Hong Kong's key to continued success and future prosperity, the authors reconsider the history and evolution of the labour market, and weigh the available options for the post-1997 era. They find that despite all the breathtaking changes, the old but tested prescriptions of free market economics still offer the surest solution for the efficient allocation of labour resources.

 

 

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Health Care Delivery and Financing: A Model for Reform

by Lok-sang Ho (English/Chinese) 1997

 

Despite low mortality, Hong Kong is ageing fast and pressures to improve health care are mounting. Should taxes be raised or social services be cut? Or, instead, should the public bear higher cost by buying more health insurance? What about other trade-offs such as between hi-tech medicine and preventive medicine? Professor Ho analyzes the economics of these questions. He also suggests better ways to co-ordinate the public and the private health care systems. The key lies in an innovative financing scheme (UEBHIP) to handle rising health care expenditures.
 

 

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Competition Policy and the Regulation of Business

by Leonard Cheng and Changqi Wu (English/Chinese) 1998

 

Hong Kong's future prosperity more than ever before depends on the efficiency of its financial services, professional services, public utilities and other services.  Providing quality services is crucial to Hong Kong's role as a business hub.  Are its key economic sectors sufficiently competitive?  Does it need a comprehensive competition policy and a competition law?  Have the regulated industries been effectively regulated to enhance economic welfare?  Can regulation be replaced by competition, and how?  The authors analyze the situation of competition and regulation in ten industries and business sectors.  Many recommendations are made. 

 

 

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Immigration and the Economy of Hong Kong

by Kit-chun Lam and Pak-wai Liu (English/Chinese) 1998

 

Immigration has not been an important component of the population in Hong Kong.  Since 1995, immigration adds more people to the population of Hong Kong than natural increase each year.  Is there any adverse economic impact of immigration on Hong Kong?  The authors examine the effect of immigration on wages and employment in the local labour market. The book argues that by adopting a three-track immigration policy, the growth of labour force will help maintain economic growth in Hong Kong. 
 

 

 

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On Privatizing Public Housing

by Y.C. Richard Wong (English/Chinese) 1998

 

More than half of the people of Hong Kong live in heavily subsidized public housing and many are still waiting to be accommodated.   This study shows that, unfortunately, the public housing programme has failed to meet basic objectives of efficiency and equity.  How can privatization address these objectives?  Considering political consequences, economic benefits, equity effects, social impact and moral dimensions, the author ponders over the hottest economic issue of Hong Kong today and presents several specific policy recommendations. 
 

 

 

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Hong Kong and South China: The Economic Synergy

by Yun-wing Sung (English/Chinese) 1998

 

A powerful Chinese Economic Area (CEA) comprising Hong Kong, Mainland China and Taiwan is emerging with Greater Hong Kong (Hong Kong-Guangdong) as the core.  This book asks questions like: What is the nature and trend of trade and investment within the CEA and within Greater Hong Kong?  What are the barriers to the economic integration of the CEA?  What policies should be pursued to enhance economic integration?  What is the prospect of Hong Kong as China's gateway?  Will Shanghai threaten Hong Kong's role?  What are the effects of the Asian financial crisis on the CEA? 
 

 

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Retirement Protection: A Plan for Hong Kong

by Francis T. Lui (English/Chinese) 1999

 

What are the economic and business consequences of the "retirement boom" that will hit Hong Kong soon?  What sort of retirement plans are viable and acceptable to employers, employees and the government?  Drawing on the experiences with social security systems in many countries, this book evaluates Hong Kong's old pay-as-you-go (PAYG) proposal, Singapore's central provident fund (CPF) scheme, and the mandatory provident fund (MPF) plan.  Details of the MPF legislation of 1998 are given, along with policy recommendations and suggestions for stakeholders in the private and public sectors.