It's a product of a free market system with Chinese entrepreneurial spirit. Not every British colony was nearly as successful, most if not all were less succes

It's a product of a free market system with Chinese entrepreneurial spirit. Not every British colony was nearly as successful, most if not all were less successful... China's recent strategy has been to set up regions as 'tests' for future policy. There's no doubt that with them granting HK an election (even if they want to vet the candidates), they're looking to a soft transition to democracy in the future; much like they've transitioned to a market economy. And finally - keep in mind Hong Kong was never democratic under British rule...