Protecting Free Trade: The Hong Kong Paradox 1947 – 1997

Lawrence W.R. Mills

Protecting Free Trade traces the story of a paradox that both limited and stimulated Hong Kong’s post-war economy. In order to preserve its com­mitment to open markets, Hong Kong was obligated by international agreements to accept restraints on its ex­ports; and in order to sustain its growth and development, Hong Kong had to subject its largest industry—textiles—to a massive network of restric­tions. The focus is on how Hong Kong handled, through negotiation, attempts by devel­oped economies to limit inter­national trade through protec­tive measures.

Related Subjects

• Economics & Finance

About the Author

Lawrence Mills served as Hong Kong's Chief Trade Negotiator.

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