Chair of Economics
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost

Tel:	2857-7600
Email:	rycwong@hku.hk

BIOGRAPHY
Richard Wong received his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1981. He was Visiting Scholar at the National Opinion Research Center, University of Chicago in 1985 and at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University in 1989. He joined the School in September 1992. Richard's work in advancing economic research on policy issues at the Hong Kong Centre for Economic Research has led to the award of the Sir Antony Fisher International Memorial Award.

His current research focuses on the political economy of positive non-interventionism in Hong Kong in the context of "one country two systems". It includes a detailed analysis of all major facets of the Hong Kong economy and society. Hong Kong has demonstrated that rapid economic growth can be achieved with policies that protect private property rights, maintain open and competitive markets, and limit the role of the government. These policies have been adopted in Hong Kong mainly because the existing political realities and the configuration of economic and social forces have provided the proper framework and incentives for government to pursue them.

Structural transformations of Hong Kong's economy and the new division of labour have given rise to numerous highly vocal special interest groups. These groups are changing the public policy making environment. The process is being further exacerbated by the evolution of the political both before and after the restoration of sovereignty over Hong Kong from Britain to China. Uncertainties about the future have unleashed political forces that are changing the present policy making framework. Such developments are likely to reshape the future course of public policy.


The research is devoted to the articulation of the challenges and opportunities presented by the opening of China, the integration of Hong Kong with China under one-country two-system, the rising competition from our neighbors amidst rapid structural transformation of the Hong Kong economy, and the globalization of world markets.

His current interest in regional economic development in China focuses on the interactions of the Pearl River Delta and the Yangzi River Delta with Hong Kong and Hong Kong's contribution to the economic development of the two regions, especially in fostering institutional transformation throughout the two deltas.