The four mini dragons

Abstract

The objective of this research paper aims to review the economic performances of the four mini dragons, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, based on both across time and across countries analysis.

The research is motivated by the lack of updated information on their current economic performances. A trend analysis of major economic indicators such as GNP, labour condition and other economic indicators is done for each country over a span of ten years. This period is in turn split into two five-year periods: 1985-1989 and 1990- 1994. This is to assist the comparison of the four dragons’ economies between the 80s and the 90s. After which an inter-country comparison was made to assess their relative economic muscles from 1990 to 1994. This is an attempt to evaluate their various strengths and weaknesses.

Having examined their past economic performances, it is appropriate to observe if their future growth would be driven by their current strengths. Hence, to complete this analysis, an insight of the four countries’ prospects is provided to give the readers a glimpse into the future possible direction of their respective economies.