The development of the manufacturing industries has been shaped by factors such as the lack of natural resources, a relatively small domestic market and a scare supply of industrial land.  As a result, Hong Kong's manufacturing industries produce predominantly light consumer goods and operate in multi-storey factory buildings.  Hong Kong's manufacturing has four salient characteristics: with light manufacturing, especially textiles, as its mainstay; taking outward processing trade as the basic route of development; exhibiting high degree of internationalization; and dominated maninly by Small and Medium-sized enterprises.

Clothing

The clothing industry has a history of 60 years.  It is the largest and the most well-developed industry in Hong Kong.  It has been holding a leading position in the world since the 1970's.  Apart from being the world's second largest clothing exporters, Hong Kong has become a reputable garment sourcing centre in the Asia-Pacific region, attracting orders ranging from mass produced simple items to high fashion garments.  Well established manufacturers have stepped up marketing efforts to promote their branded items and directly market their products through their own overseas retail outlets.

According to published statistics, with a total of 3,007 establishments the clothing industry employed 54,067 workers in 1999, which represented 23.8% of the total manufacturing workforce.  The sector is one of Hong Kong's major export earners, accounting for 43.5% of total domestic exports in 1999 with an exporting amount of HK$ 74.25 billion.

Products of the Hong Kong garment industry find a ready market in many parts of the world.

Modern factories offering ideal conditions and the dexterity of garment workers have been instrumental in enabling Hong Kong goods to be put on world markets at competitive prices.

A conveyor system in a workshop.

Hong Kong Trade Development Council organises "Fashion Week" every year to promote products of local fashion designers.