HONG KONG Planetary aspects indicate new growth for China and Asian markets through 'deals' with Japan, Germany and America. Regardless of their public posturing about sensitive issues, these countries happily jump onto the profit bandwagon. Hong Kong's role in thisgrowth will be dictated by agreements made between Britain and China in 1994.
From January 22 to March 6, attention is focused on a shift in employment patterns towards the service industry, a sector which Asia discovers can be quite profitable. The number of Westerners working in Hong Kong reaches a new high during this period.
The 'sandwich class' continues to feel the pinch as the cost of living continues to rise. People rush to buy over-priced flats as rumours of a 30 to 45 per cent tax increase post-1997 sweep the territory.
While people are still keen to invest, the era of overspending on luxury items seems to be over. Businesses are pulling in their belts and overhauling their management policies. As a result there may be a rash of top-level job opportunities, with big salaries on offer for the highly skilled.
Local financial firms suffer as investors become more cautious in the wake of fraud scandals. Speculation will be tempting as 1997 approaches, but will work against those seeking a fast buck. Be careful where you invest this year.
Rupert Murdoch's purchase of STAR TV last year gave an indication of the enormous potential for satellite television in Asia. Countries in the region, originally reluctant to receive satellite television, will begin to open up in summer, revolutionising the market with major deals being confirmed between July 3 and August 5. As the centre of communications in Asia, Hong Kong attracts many new people to work in the industry.
From April 14 to May 23, Hong Kong can expect a small success in dealings with China, although officials are more concerned about Deng Xiaoping's failing health. An unknown group of officials are striving for a better China and Hong Kong. These men will surface when the illness is over. There may be a major political turning point in China's attitude to Hong Kong between October 3 and December 11.