_{Diane Stormont}

_{Teri Fitsell}

_{Updated by Emma Moore}

Status | Foreign Journalists | Issues | Language | Telecommunications | Health | Media | Getting Around | Accommodation | General

Status
Special Administrative Region of China

Government
Executive-led government

Population
6.9 million (UN, 2006)

Language
Cantonese dialect and English - both official

Religion
Buddhism, Daoism, Christianity

GNI per capita
US$27,670 (World Bank, 2006)

Since 1997 the Chinese leadership has largely lived up to its promise to allow Hong Kong people to run Hong Kong and maintain their freedoms and capitalist way of life. When Britain agreed to hand Hong Kong back to Chinese rule, a ‘one country, two systems’ formula was devised under which the territory became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of mainland China.

Under the terms of the Joint Declaration, the SAR became self-governing, with its own currency and control of its own reserves. The people of Hong Kong retained their individual rights, including freedom of speech, press, assembly and religion, as well as access to the courts. In all areas except defence and international relations, Hong Kong was to remain autonomous for 50 years (until 2047). There was also the promise of an elected legislature, though neither the form nor the timetable for such elections were specified.

Currently, only half of the legislature is elected by voters, the remainder, including the chief executive, are appointed by Beijing. The Basic Law — the constitution imposed by China on Hong Kong after the territory’s return from Britain — raised the prospect of choosing leaders by universal suffrage starting in 2007. However, Chinese officials announced in December 2007 that Hong Kong would have to wait at least another decade for democratic elections to select a leader, and for more than 12 years for a directly elected legislature. The delay was justified on the grounds of preserving the stability of a community still divided over how to best achieve full democracy.

In December 2007, Anson Chan, a hugely popular leader of the democracy movement, scooped the vote for a legislative seat on a platform calling for full democratic rights for voters within five years.

The official slogan underpinning the Basic Law is ‘Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong’. However, although Hong Kong’s citizens certainly enjoy many more freedoms than their mainland counterparts, in practice Beijing has a strong grip on the SAR.

Beijing proposed Tung Chee-hwa as the first chief executive of Hong Kong and not surprisingly, his administration was pro-Beijing. An unpopular leader, in 2005 Tung was replaced by Donald Tsang, another Beijing-backed administrator whose term ends in 2012.

A major economic downturn and crises such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, which killed 299 people in Hong Kong in 2003) both helped to undermine confidence in the government and in Beijing. In July 2003 more than half a million people took to the streets to protest against possible changes to Hong Kong’s security laws and to express concern over economic decline. Following the unprecedented demonstration, changes to the laws were set aside.

With the recent economic upturn, confidence has returned to the Special Administrative Region. The easing of cross-border travel restrictions has seen Hong Kong’s economy given a major boost as mainland travellers visit in their millions. The property market, which went into major decline post-1997, is now booming once more.

Hong Kong’s economy expanded by 6.3 percent in 2007, marginally down on the 6.8 percent growth rate for 2006. Exports grew by 9.2 percent, but a slowdown is forecast in 2008 as exports weaken due to a downturn in the United States (Hong Kong’s second-largest market, after mainland China) and the prospect of a global economic slowdown.

China’s rapid economic development has boosted exports through the SAR and has created a strong demand for professional services. Local consumption in 2007 was buoyed by an almost 40 percent surge in the Hong Kong stock market. Meanwhile, wages continue to rise as a four-year economic boom continues to reduce unemployment, which has now fallen to 3.4 percent, its lowest level in nearly a decade. A rapid increase in the number of tourists from mainland China has also helped. However, the strong economy is stoking inflation, which is expected to top 4 percent soon, and so offset some of the wage growth. 

Foreign Journalists

Foreign journalists in Hong Kong enjoy a larger degree of freedom than those working in China since the SAR does not impose a mandatory registration system.

According to Francis Moriarty, head of the press freedom committee of the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents’ Club, the movement of Hong Kong-based overseas journalists is restricted due to a special visa arrangement that requires non-local journalists to apply for visas each time they enter China, at a per-visit cost of HK$900 (US$115). By contrast journalists with mainland-based accreditation are not subject to the visa requirement. The number of foreign journalists working in Hong Kong has levelled off in recent years, while the number based across the border in the mainland continues to grow.

A January 2007 survey by the Hong Kong Journalists Association found that 58 percent of journalists think that press freedom has deteriorated since the handover to China, mainly as a result of self-censorship and of the government’s tighter grip on the flow of information. Almost a third of those interviewed admitted to self-censorship. Press tendencies to downplay negative news from the central government and to second guess what would be  considered sensitive issues is a growing problem.

In February 2008 Hong Kong-based journalist Ching Cheong was released from prison after serving almost two years on charges of spying for Taiwan. Ching, a correspondent for Singapore’s Straits Times newspaper, denied the espionage charges but was given a five year sentence in August 2006.

Despite the survey findings, and the sentencing of Ching, Hong Kong largely retains the press freedoms inherited from its time under British rule and no newspaper or magazine has been banned or officially censored since the handover.

Work visas are required for those wishing to relocate to Hong Kong. Contact the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate or the Hong Kong Immigration Department direct. (Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Telephone: (852)-2824-6111;  (852)-2877-7711. E-mail: enquiry@immd.gcn.gov.hk  Website: http://www.info.gov.hk/immd/index.htm) There is no special category for journalists. No restrictions are placed on visiting journalists.

Registering with the Overseas Public Relations division of the Hong Kong Government Information Service (GIS) is voluntary. Most government press releases are carried promptly on the government’s website (http://www.info.gov.hk) and will be faxed to correspondents upon request.

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Hong Kong (2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong, Tel: 2521-1511; Fax: 2868 4092; Website: http://www.fcchk.org) organises regular press conferences, newsmaker speeches and social events. Temporary membership is available for bona fide visiting journalists. Facilities include a workroom equipped with IBM and Apple computers and Internet access, a small gymnasium, restaurants and bars. It is an invaluable place to meet other journalists, lawyers, business executives and contacts.

Issues

In many ways mainland China is now the only story in Hong Kong. Since 1997, relations between the people of Hong Kong and the government in Beijing have roller-coasted, but generally speaking Hong Kong's citizens tend to be pragmatic - if left alone to make money, build businesses and lead their own lives, they do not worry overmuch about politics.

However, what happens in China clearly affects Hong Kong. For example, the booming Chinese economy continues to benefit the SAR in countless ways. Mainland China, and in particular the Pearl River Delta, has already been labelled ‘the world’s factory’, with manufacturers eagerly setting up enterprises there to take advantage of low labour and material costs. The Chinese government is continuing to invest heavily in transportation links between Hong Kong and southern China to further stimulate two-way trade.

Despite this, many international companies remain wary of China's relatively rudimentary Intellectual Property laws and its still-evolving legal system, and so prefer to locate their headquarters in Hong Kong. Among the benefits to business of such a move are the SAR's established rule of law, a 'friendly' tax system, excellent financial and consultancy services and a renowned 'can-do' spirit.

Language

Hong Kong is Asia's most international city and English is widely spoken, particularly in government and business circles, alongside Cantonese. The use of Mandarin is growing rapidly, with all children now learning it at school, but so far it remains a minority language.

Telecommunications

Hong Kong’s telecommunications system is fully digitised and is extremely efficient. Local telephone calls are free, though hotels levy an additional charge. Calls from public boxes cost HK$1.00, but you may have trouble locating one. Hong Kong’s mobile phone penetration is among the highest in the world — it seems that every man, woman and child in the territory has one — so public phones are becoming scarce. However, they can still be found in MTR stations, hotel lobbies and in 7-Eleven stores. SIM cards which can be used on unlocked international mobile phones are cheap and widely available. Prepaid top-up cards can be purchased at newsstands and convenience stores.

Directory Enquiries: Local: 1081; International: 10013. Or visit the PCCW website: http://www.pccw.com/eng/customersupport/directories.html. Hong Kong’s largest telecommunications provider — for online directories.

Electricity is stable. The current is 200/220 volts, 50 cycles. 

Health

No vaccinations are required but many doctors recommend immunisation against hepatitis.

Media

Hong Kong has two English-language dailies: the South China Morning Post (http://www.scmp.com) (HK$7) and The Standard (http://www.hkstandard.com), which converted to a free daily in September 2007. Of the two, the SCMP, with a circulation of 104,000, has the upper hand in classified ads and is the paper expats turn to when looking for work or accommodation. Fanny Fung, the paper’s first Hong Kong Chinese editor, stepped down in early 2007, and was replaced by C.K. Lau. The paper saw some major upheavals during the tenure of Mark Clifford as editor-in-chief, from  March 2006 until his resignation the following year. Clifford left his post after only one year on the job and C.K. Lau’s position as editor was restructured to fill the role. Two of  the paper’s senior editors left under mysterious circumstances at the beginning of 2007 — the latest in a series of staff changes in the newsroom. Editors are under pressure not to offend China in political stories or in reporting business dealings between the mainland and Hong Kong investors and manufacturers. The online version of the paper has a pay wall, which allows access to news stories only for registered subscribers.

The Standard has undergone several reincarnations over the past decade, the most recent being as a free tabloid daily paper. The newspaper is said by credible observers to be circulating 250,000 copies a day, making it Asia’s biggest free English-language publication. It appears to be making circulation inroads into the previously unassailable South China Morning Post.

Regional publications published or distributed in Hong Kong include the Asian Wall Street Journal, the International Herald Tribune, the China Daily and the Financial Times (London).

The economic downturn of the past couple of years contributed to the closure of two regional news magazines, Asiaweek (published by Time Inc) in December 2001, and the Far Eastern Economic Review (published by Dow Jones) was withdrawn from news stands in November 2004. The monthly FEER is now available online (http://www.feer.com) and by subscription. International magazines, including The Economist, Time and Newsweek, are widely available.

A new Asian weekly news magazine, Asia Weekly, (http://www.asia-weekly.com) was launched in early 2007 by Jasper Becker, a long-term China journalist and former editor-in-chief of the SCMP’s Beijing bureau. The Beijing-based magazine is published in Hong Kong to avoid restrictive registration rules on the mainland. It is available across much of Asia.

The biggest-circulation Chinese newspapers in Hong Kong are the Oriental Daily and Apple Daily, both of which are full-colour broadsheets with a propensity for publishing graphic photographs of traffic accidents.

Hong Kong operates four terrestrial television channels — two in English and two in Cantonese. The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg and an array of sports and entertainment channels are available on cable and satellite services. Broadband TV is available through PCCW, Hong Kong’s main telecommunications provider.

RTHK is the Government-run and funded radio service, modelled on the BBC. It broadcasts in English and Cantonese. RTHK Radio Three and Radio Four broadcast in English and carry local and international news on the hour with longer broadcasts at 1300, 1800 and 2300. RTHK Radio Six re-broadcasts the BBC relay in the region.

The service is guaranteed editorial independence. In 2006 the city government carried out a major review which critics say was a thinly disguised attempt by mainland conservatives to restrict its editorial freedom. The Hong Kong Journalists’ Association has demanded that RTHK’s links to the government be severed and it called the review, which does not favour RTHK becoming the future public broadcaster, ‘reckless and irresponsible’. According to the association, the review ignores the fact that RTHK had been a respected de facto public broadcaster for years. 

Business Cards

Hong Kong is easy to work in, whether you are a journalist, a business executive or a waiter. Its melting pot mentality is a great asset and, within reason, you can go where you want and do what you want. However, before doing anything, you would be wise to get some business cards. Not having one is seen as odd and suggests that your status in your organisation is very low. When going to an interview or meeting - or even a social occasion - you will be expected to swap cards with almost everyone you meet. When accepting a card, you should receive it with both hands and study it for at least a few seconds. Similarly, when handing out a card, it is polite to hold it with both hands.

Getting Around

Hong Kong is a compact territory. Metered taxis, which are plentiful, run round the clock and drivers know the major destinations in English. The flag fall is HK$15.

The underground railway (MTR) operates from around 6am to 1am and is fast, efficient and cheap. Buses are plentiful, clean and air-conditioned and fares are low. A good way to travel short distances, once you have got to know the city, is by mini-bus (aka public light bus, or PLB). These cream and red vehicles have destination and price on the front, but they will stop virtually anywhere en-route to pick up or drop off passengers. PLBs are not so good for long journeys within the city because of the frequent stops. However, for journeys out of the city, they are faster than buses.

Rail and bus services operate across the border into mainland China. The Kowloon-Canton Railway service is basically a commuter line between Hong Kong and China. To get the best from Hong Kong's excellent public transport systems, buy an Octopus Card, which is available from the customer service centre at any MTR station. There is a HK$50 refundable deposit for the card itself, on top of which you must pay to 'add value'. The cost of fares is then automatically deducted when the card is swiped at ticket barriers. Octopus cards can be used on buses, the MTR, ferries, and most PLBs, as well as drink vending machines and some shops. There is talk of introducing Octopus swipe pads in taxis and it seems likely to happen despite opposition from drivers concerned that they will lose out on tips as a result.

Few destinations in the urban areas require more than a half-hour journey by public transport. Reaching Tsim Sha Tsui, directly opposite Hong Kong Island on the Kowloon peninsula, takes about seven minutes by MTR from the central business district while the Star Ferry is a four-minute ride (once on the ferry). Allow an hour to reach the main New Territories towns from Hong Kong Island.

Driving in Hong Kong is straightforward, with all signs in English and Chinese. However, roads are becoming increasingly congested and parking fees are high, so public transport is often a better option.

If you intend living in Hong Kong and want to drive, you will need to get a Hong Kong driving licence, which may be issued without a test if:

• you hold a driver’s licence issued by an approved country (New Zealand is approved)
• your licence is valid, or expired less than three years ago
  
• you have resided in the overseas country for not less than six months during which the licence was issued
  
• have held the licence for not less than five years prior to the application
  
• hold a passport or equivalent document from the country in which the licence was issued

If the above requirements are not met, a test must be taken.

Accommodation

Real estate is at a premium in Hong Kong and hotels are among the world’s most expensive. Rates are negotiable and always cheaper when booked through a travel agent. Numerous websites offer discounted rates for all types of accommodation. At the bottom end of the scale youth hostels charge anywhere from HK$300-500 per night for a dorm bed, while a standard room in a four-star hotel costs around HK$1,500. Note that prices increase considerably during both Chinese and Western holiday periods.

While rents in some parts of the city are among the highest in the world, cheaper accommodation is easy to find. If you are on an expat package you will have little trouble finding a spacious apartment — many of which include club facilities. However, if you are paying your own way and want to live at the centre of things, don’t be surprised to find yourself renting a flat so compact that it could fit into your bedroom at home. If you adopt the local lifestyle — which is to always eat out — you will get used to the size of the flat. Most people in Hong Kong work long hours then tend to eat out with colleagues or family. Many journalists paying their own way live out of the city in the New Territories or on Lantua or Lamma to avoid high rents and to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.

Apartments for rent and share are listed in magazines linked below. 

General

Hong Kong is still one of the world’s safest cities, with a low crime rate. In crowded markets you should be aware of where your wallet is, but generally you are unlikely ever to be bothered by anyone. It is safe to use public transport, or walk the streets at any time of day or night. Standards of English are said to be falling, but you are still unlikely to find yourself anywhere where nobody speaks English.

Useful Websites

http://www.chinanews.cn (Chinese news service in HK).
http://hk.bcmagazine.net (what’s on guide and classifieds).
http://www.thatsprd.com (what’s on guide and classifieds).
http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com (insider information for expats).
http://www.jobsdb.com (job advertisements).
http://www.nzshk.org (New Zealand Society of Hong Kong).
http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/home.htm (visa information, Hong Kong Immigration Dept)

 

_{Updated March 2008} 

 

 Related Asia:NZ link   Contributor's profile note - Emma Moore 

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