Unlike American politicians, Hong Kong lawmakers understand that lower tax rates are a key to staying ahead in a competitive global economy. The Chinese Territory’s chief executive has just announced that the flat tax will drop by one percentage point, from 16 percent to 15 percent. As BBC news reports, the corporate rate also will drop, with further reductions likely:

Hong Kong has said it will cut taxes, in a move to promote further growth and lure foreign investment. Leader Donald Tsang said taxes would be cut by 1 percentage point, to 16.5% for firms and 15% for individuals, in the first policy speech of his new term. …In announcing the tax cuts, Mr Tsang said: “We will consider further profits tax relief if our economy remains robust and our public finances stay sound.”