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

Traditional "hongs" or trade houses of Hong Kong were the

pillar of the economy. Jardine Matheson and Hutchison were

major hongs that led the economy and the Hong Kong & Shanghi

Bank were the financier of these hongs and has today grown to

become one of the largest bank in the world. These firms were

the critical factors of the growth for Hong Kong's economy.

Their role however has changed overtime. They are no longer the

de facto leaders of Hong Kong as they were in the mid 1800's.

Their role has diminished as Hong Kong grew to become more

international, and the 1997 handover to the People's Republic of

China has further altered their position. Some hongs that

adapted well to the changing times prospered while others either

The territory of Hong Kong is located at the mouth of t

helped to establish the bank in March 1865. Then, as now, the

the bubbles that was being accumulated in the territory. Large

Retailing and manufacturing, Telecomminications and Media, and

projects in the colony. In the 1960's, in an effort to

to undo many past mistakes and to rejuvenate the 160 year old

forced HongkongBank to analyse its strategy for continued growth

During the Second World War the bank was forced to close many

Some common words found in the essay are:
Hong Kong, hong kong, Hong Kong's, Kong Bank, Port Holdings, Kong Singapore, Ka Shing, Jardine Matheson, Hutchison Whampoa, Hutchision International, North America, li ka, jardine matheson, li ka shing, ka shing, hong kong's, hong kong bank, kong bank, hutchison whampoa, kong economy, hong kong economy, handover hong kong, li ka shing's, real estate, asian countries,
Approximate Word count = 2618
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)