Hong Kong-Shenzhen:

The Little Wall of China

In 1978, Shenzhen was declared a special economic zone by the Chinese government, open to both native and foreign investors. Its development has been spectacular, with its population rising from 30,000 to 5 million inhabitants.

When Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997, the frontier between the former British territory and Shenzhen theoretically disappeared. However, in actuality the border is still closed and integration is slow to occur. For Hong Kong, the risk of a massive illegal Chinese emigration is viewed as a threat to its economic stability. Also, since Hong Kong remained a free port with no import taxes, the Chinese are controlling the border to prevent those from Shenzhen using it as a way to escape taxes

The low cost of labor and real estate in Shenzhen have persuaded nearly 80% of Hong Kong manufacturers to relocate their factories there. Many successful "Hong Kongers" now want to live on the other side as well, in the beautiful new homes being built for them.

26 min. Video or DVD. Sale $295. Video rental $55.