Introduction

The first exhibition was organized in 1938. It was then called the “Exhibition of Chinese Products”. The first Exhibition of Chinese Products was organized some 70 years ago by Sincere Co., Ltd. in 1933, and later followed by Chinese Manufacturers' Union (the older name of CMA). The first exhibition was held on the roof of Sincere Co., Ltd. and it was participated by 23 manufacturers from Shanghai and 40 from Hong Kong and Guangdong, with the aim of promoting Chinese-made goods. Not long after, Cheung Cheng Secondary School also organized a five-day exhibition at the school during the New Year Holidays.

In 1934, the Chinese Manufacturers' Union (the older name of CMA) was formed by Chinese manufacturers. The first committee was formed by leading manufacturers from various industries, including Lee Man Hing Kwok Weaving Factory, Man Yuen Weaving Mill, and Fung Keong Rubber Manufactory, Ltd. In 1938, CMA organized the first exhibition to promote the use and knowledge of Chinese goods among overseas Chinese, and to support the making of goods by Chinese manufacturers in Hong Kong. Before the end of World War II, CMA had organized 5 exhibitions with the 5th aborted under the Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong.

The first 2 exhibitions were organized indoors with guests comprising mainly socialites and China officials. Beginning from the 3rd exhibition, CMA obtained a vacant land lot from the government to set up an outdoor exhibition venue, with the Governor of Hong Kong and government officials officiating the opening ceremony. The number of exhibitors and visitors, as well as the product variety, grew every year. Besides promoting Hong Kong industrial products, the 5 pre-war exhibitions were all held during Japanese invasion in China and the Second World War, and the manufacturers organized charity sales and fund-raising during the exhibitions to raise funds for both Chinese and British military organizations.