Enriching Lives: A History of Insurance in Hong Kong, 18412010 [Hardcover]

Insurance is one of Hong Kongs oldest industries. In the nineteenth century the lucrative trade between China and Europe carried many riskspiracy, warfare, fire, loss of goods, and other mishaps. Dozens of different insurance firmssome home-grown, others importedestablished themselves in the colony to protect ships and their cargoes. With the diversification of Hong Kongs economy into manufacturing and services, and the development of life and health insurance policies, Hong Kong became a global centre of insurance. The industry continues to transform itself today through changing practices and new lines of business. This is the first comprehensive history of Hong Kongs insurance industry, and argues its central importance in the economy. Typhoons, shipwrecks, fires, wars, political turbulence and unexpected events of all kinds provide a dramatic background to a fascinating survey. The book is richly illustrated with photographs and documents.

Insurance is one of Hong Kongs oldest industries. In the nineteenth century the lucrative trade between China and Europe carried many riskspiracy, warfare, fire, loss of goods, and other mishaps. Dozens of different insurance firmssome home-grown, others importedestablished themselves in the colony to protect ships and their cargoes. With the diversification of Hong Kongs economy into manufacturing and services, and the development of life and health insurance policies, Hong Kong became a global centre of insurance. The industry continues to transform itself today through changing practices and new lines of business. This is the first comprehensive history of Hong Kongs insurance industry, and argues its central importance in the economy. Typhoons, shipwrecks, fires, wars, political turbulence and unexpected events of all kinds provide a dramatic background to a fascinating survey. The book is richly illustrated with photographs and documents.

The book will help students better understand ló‡