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Description
We head to Hong Kong to meet its unofficial spokesman, Andrew Work, on how the city has transformed itself into the cultural hub of NorthEast Asia while retaining the number one spot for doing business in China. Andrew enthusiastically shares his view on why Hong Kong is back and what’s happening right now in Asia’s world city.
Keywords
Hong Kong, Economics, China business
Lead
The past five years have profoundly shaped Hong Kong’s political, economic, and social landscape, capturing global attention and showcasing the city’s dynamic, often tumultuous nature. The massive 2019 protests against the proposed extradition bill marked a pivotal moment, evolving into a broader pro-democracy movement demanding greater autonomy and police accountability. Clashes between protesters and police escalated, drawing international concern over Beijing’s growing influence and highlighting fears of eroding freedoms under the “one country, two systems” framework.
In 2020, Beijing imposed a national security law, criminalising acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. Widely criticised for undermining autonomy and freedoms, this sweeping legislation led to arrests of prominent activists, politicians, and journalists, drastically altering the political climate. International condemnation followed, with critics arguing the law dismantles the legal firewall between Hong Kong and mainland China, casting doubt on the city’s future as a global financial hub.
Press freedom has been severely threatened, epitomised by the forced closure of Apple Daily and the arrest of its founder, Jimmy Lai. These events raised alarms about the erosion of free speech and press independence, with strong concerns voiced by the international community, including Reporters Without Borders and Human Rights Watch.
The COVID-19 pandemic further impacted Hong Kong, disrupting its economy and daily life. Strict quarantine and lockdown measures, while initially effective, contributed to economic challenges and social discontent. The uneven recovery saw sectors like tourism and retail struggle, exacerbated by prolonged travel restrictions and a cautious reopening strategy.
Political reforms in 2021 transformed the landscape, ensuring that only “patriots” could govern. This overhaul reduced directly elected seats and increased Beijing’s influence over the electoral process, marginalising pro-democracy voices and reducing political diversity. Record-low turnout in subsequent elections reflected public disillusionment.
And if that wasn’t enough, last year Hong Kong experienced its heaviest rainfall in 140 years, causing widespread flooding and highlighting the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather and the urgent need for robust infrastructure.
These events have led to significant economic shifts, with concerns about a brain drain as professionals, particularly in finance and legal sectors, moved to cities like Singapore. This migration was driven by economic opportunities and the political climate in Hong Kong, though recent trends suggest some return migration as conditions stabilise. Despite the challenges, Hong Kong’s simple and low taxation system and strategic location continue to attract businesses and talent.
As the city navigates these issues, its future remains a topic of global significance and scrutiny. Hong Kong’s resilience and adaptability, a testament to its people, continue to drive its reinvention. With me to discuss the future of Hong Kong is Andrew Work, a proud Canadian first, Hongkonger, and free-market libertarian a close second.
Contributor
Reading list
Miller, C. (2022) Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology. Scribner
Van Doren, P. (2021) Authentic: A Memoir by the Founder of Vans. Vertel Publishing.