Economics is one of the six elective subjects in the Personal, Social and Humanities Education (PSHE) Key Learning Area (KLA) in the three-year senior secondary curriculum. The study of economics helps students to understand the human world through enquiring into how resources are used to serve individuals and society. It also contributes to the development of critical thinking and decision-making skills, which are crucial for the all-round development of students and, in particular, their development as life-long learners and responsible citizens.

Rationale
Economics helps students to understand the principles and forces that affect people in their everyday lives, in particular their roles as consumers and producers. The perspective it provides is also important in giving students a more comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues facing Hong Kong and the mainland, as well as of the interdependence among regions and countries. As Hong Kong is undergoing rapid economic changes, establishing closer links with the mainland and striving to remain competitive in the world economy, the study of economics is highly relevant and applicable to real-life situations.