HKDSE Geography/M3/Historical Development of Hong Kong's Manufacturing Industry

Note: The focus is not in the economic aspect but the spatial distribution changes.

Before the 1950s

• Mostly limited to small workshops
• Shipbuilding (plus related industries like ship reparing) and light industries (textile, shoes) were the main industries
• Around Victoria Harbour, in the inner city (Hung Hom, Kennedy Town)

Favourable factors:

• [Transport] Good accessibility because of the deep, wide Victoria Harbour
• [Access to Markets] High local demand
• [Government] Free port policy supports entrepôt trade

Industrialisation period: 1950s-1960s

• Still mostly cottage industries
• More light industries developed (food processing, plastics, wigs)
• Expanding around Victoria Harbour

Favourable factors:

• [Capital/Labour]

Diversification period: 1960s-1970s

Different types of light industries were developed. They were located along Victoria Harbour, from Kwun Tong to Tsuen Wan on the northern side, and from Chai Wan to the Western District on the southern side. Some industries had been set up in industrial estates in the new towns.