Government Intervention in Hong Kong's Housing Market

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The chapter explores the government's involvement in providing affordable housing in Hong Kong, sparked by safety concerns after fires in shanty towns. It discusses the challenges faced in building low-cost housing and the debate on government intervention to address market failures and fire regulations. The conversation also touches on historical economic policies and the potential impact of China's influence on Hong Kong's future.

Neil Monnery, author of Architect of Prosperity, talks with EconTalk host Russ Roberts about his book--a biography of John Cowperthwaite, the man often credited with the economic success of Hong Kong. Monnery describes the policies that Cowperthwaite championed and the role they played in the evolution of Hong Kong's economy. How much those policies mattered is the focus of the conversation. Other topics include the relationship between Hong Kong and China and the irony of the challenges Hong Kong faced from U.S. and British protectionism.