China-Taiwan Inc.? Assessing the Impact of Economic Integration Across the Taiwan Strait

Abstract

The combined economies of China, Taiwan and Hong Kong amount to US$1.437 trillion making ‘Greater China’ the fourth largest economy in the world. Driven by exports China’s GDP growth averaged 9.7% in the two decades to 2000. Average GDP growth was 7.5% in 2001, 8% in 2002, and 9.1% in 2003. What are the implications for South Africa and Africa of the continued expansion of the Chinese economy? Will the growth of ‘Greater China’ crowd Africa out of an increasingly competitive foreign direct investment market? African business leaders and governments need to respond to these issues by developing appropriate diplomatic and business strategies which identify trade opportunities and also monitor the impact of “China Inc’ on Africa, both as an investment opportunity and as a strategic competitor.