Resorting to Keynes and other crutches
Dan Ryan (1 December 2008) The world’s governments are about to embark on a massive spending spree. China is busy spending US$586 billion. Others in the region have committed to large government spending packages. US president-elect Barack Obama has just announced he plans to save or create 2.5 million newContinue reading>
Half Full or Half Empty?
Andrew Work (SCMP, 2 June 2007)Cheers! Pint glasses were raised and champagne sparkled in celebration of the tax cut on beer and wine. A new era of lower prices was to be delivered courtesy of Mr. Tang’s generous March budget. However, three months on, it seems that things have notContinue reading>
Tax Imperialism Reaches Out to Slam Hong Kong
Andrew Work (Pacific Rim Policy Conference, 23 May 2007) Representing the open city-state of Hong Kong, we tend to be biased against protectionism. We are hugely dependent for our success on a world order that allows for the free flow of goods and capital. While our record on freedom ofContinue reading>
Rental voucher can be a way out
(13 February 2007) Imagine what the situation would be like doubling the market potential of Hong Kong’s property market by freeing the opportunity suppressed by the Housing Authority. Nearly 50% of Hong Kong population dwells in public housing provided by Housing Authority. Half a century ago when the victims ofContinue reading>
Budget 2006-2007 Special: The Language of Taxation
(10th March 2006) This article was written before the release of the 2006 Budget.Budget day has arrived again and all Hong Kong eagerly anticipates the government’s spending plans in 2006-2007. Cries for increased spending by welfare advocates and for tax cuts by politicians reveal a startling fact about political discourseContinue reading>