Super Zone

he relationship between Hong Kong and Mainland China entered a new phase in the last couple of decades. Within this period, several events were crucial in transforming the region into a growth super zone, namely the opening up of the Chinese economy, the reunification of Hong Kong with mainland China and the trade agreements signed between Hong Kong and China in 2003. In 1978, China embarked on a process of opening up of the economy and the development model that was followed stimulated the coastal areas and re-shaped the economic structure of the province of Guangdong. In just a couple of decades, Guangdong saw its economy transform from a fishing village to a manufacturing centre. Manufacturing previously done in Hong Kong relocated to this neighbouring Mainland province and economic links between the two areas began to flourish. In 1997, and after 155 years of British colonial rule, Hong Kong was reverted to Chinese sovereignty. After reunification, and for a period of fifty years, Hong Kong would not be another Chinese province but instead it became a Special Administrative Region. Under this system, Hong Kong remained a capitalist economy and retained most of its autonomy in its domestic affairs. Contrary to many gloom forecasts, reunification with Mainland China allowed the economy of Hong Kong to further strengthen its links with Guangdong province and further consolidate its position as a service hub in the region. A third aspect that determined the success of the economic super zone in the region was the signing of the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement betwee