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Introduction
Established in 1934, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong (CMA) is a non-profit making chamber of commerce and industry. With over 3,700 member-companies from various sectors of industry and trade, it is one of the oldest and most representative industrial associations in Hong Kong, known for its public interest and community service. The CMA constantly keeps itself up-to-date with commercial and industrial trends in the international market, and watches closely domestic conditions which may affect trade and industry. The CMA's activities and services are directed at the well-being of Hong Kong as a whole, and it places equal emphasis on fostering international understanding and co-operation. 

Objectives
The CMA's primary objectives are:

• to promote Hong Kong's trade and industrial development;

• to represent industry in the Government's formulation and implementation of public policies;

• to participate in community development; and

• to foster international understanding and co-operation. 

Role as a guardian
The CMA plays an active role in safeguarding the interests of trade and industry and in cultivating mutual understanding and cooperation between the Government and industry. In 1984, the CMA has been designated as a functional constituency representing industry. The CMA members have the voting right to elect a representative to sit in the Legislative Council. Furthermore, the CMA watches domestic conditions closely and studies carefully public policies to make recommendations to the Government and relevant authorities on a wide range of subjects, such as land, labour, environment, infrastructure, technological development, public administration, trade policies, etc. 

International Liaison
The CMA liaises with international bodies as well as trade and industrial associations overseas for the exchange of information and ideas and for the promotion of trade, industrial progress, and to foster mutual understanding and cooperation. It is a member of the International Chamber of Commerce. The CMA also maintains close contact with consulates and trade commissions of overseas governments in Hong Kong. 

Trade Development
Missions
The CMA regularly organizes trade missions to overseas countries and inter-national trade fairs with a view to developing new markets and facilitating international business co-operation. Furthermore, it assists overseas incoming missions to meet the CMA members to foster bilateral trade. 

Exhibitions
The CMA sponsors and participates in the organization of various exhibitions to promote Hong Kong products. Trade EnquiriesThe CMA operates a Trade Enquiries Service to put local and overseas buyers into direct contact with members. It also provides trade information, handles local and overseas trade enquiries and operates a telephone hotline service. Besides, a monthly Trade Enquiries Bulletin is published for circulation to members. 

Trade Mediation
The CMA mediates to help parties of a trade dispute to reach an amicable settlement. Origin Certification and EDI Services The CMA is authorized by the Government to issue all kinds of certificates of origin under the provisions of the International Convention for Simplification of Custom Formalities. The Certificates issued are subject to the Protection of Non-government Certificates of Origin Ordinance and recognized by other countries. These certificates and documents include:

• Certificates of Origin, for Hong Kong manufacturers or products;

• Certificates of Processing, for goods which have undergone certain processes in Hong Kong but are nonetheless not recognized as of Hong Kong origin according to established origin criteria;

• Certificates of Origin - Re-export, for imports re-exported from Hong Kong;

• Certificates of Origin - Without Transit/Transshipment, for exports from a supplying country for direct shipment to the importing country;
  Generalized Preference Certificate (Form A) for exports to Norway and Canada;

•  Invoice endorsement; 

• Document endorsement. The Association is also authorized by the Government to operate EDI Service Centres in all branches to enable traders and manufacturers, whose companies have not yet been fully computerized, to enjoy the benefits of electronic commerce. Traders can still submit the following applications in paper mode:
  - Quota Export Licenses 
  - Carrier Notification
  - Electronic Visa Copy (ELVIS) 
  - Production Notification
  -  Import/Export Declaration
  - Certificate of Hong Kong Origin
  - Certificate of Origin 

Processing: Apart from its head office in Central district, certification & EDI services are also available in the CMA branch offices located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Mongkok and Kwun Tong.

Industrial Development
Product Development
Starting from 1989, the CMA is appointed by the Government to organize the Hong Kong Award for Industry - Machinery & Equipment Design annually. The Award is to encourage, promote and identify the importance of machinery and equipment to Hong Kong's industrial development. Investment and Technology To strengthen and diversify the industrial base of Hong Kong, the CMA frequently informs members of proposals from companies in Mainland China and overseas interested in entering into joint ventures, licensing or other co-operative arrangements with Hong Kong industrialists. As a matchmaker, it assists the parties concerned in bringing the proposals to fruition. Exhibitions and seminars are held to introduce new products and advanced technology to its members. 

Education and Training
The CMA places much emphasis on the importance of industrial education and training, and plays an active role in its promotion. The CMA donated HK$1 million during 1956 and 1957 to finance the establishment of Hong Kong Technical College (now the Hong Kong Polytechnic University). In 1976, the CMA founded the CMA Secondary School which offers common arts and commercial subjects at the secondary level to over 1,000 students. Another secondary school, the CMA Choi Cheung Kok Secondary School, was founded in 1984 in Tuen Mun catering for 1,000 students. The CMA also awards scholarships annually to outstanding students in technical colleges and post-secondary institutions. The CMA is represented on the Vocational Training Council and its training boards as well as the Employee Retraining Board to assist in the formulation of training policies and schemes to cope with changing demand of industry for the supply of technical and skilled workers.

Occupational Safety and Health
The CMA has been the pioneer in enhancing accident prevention at work. It runs training courses and seminars, and sponsors industrial safety promotion programmes. 

Employment Relations
The CMA pays much attention to improve employment relations between employers and employees. It considers legislation proposed by the Government, collects and reflects opinions of its members. Courses and seminars are organized regularly to provide better understanding of labour legislation, to enhance management skills and to discuss problems of common interests. Preferential Financial, Insurance and MPF Schemes The CMA works together with reputable commercial banks to provide preferential financial schemes to its members, such as Trade Finance, Equipment Finance, Factoring/Receivable Finance and Payroll Finance, etc. As for the Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme, members are entitled to enjoy the exemption of joining fee, free-of-charge payroll system and preferential administrative fee under the provision of authorized banks. The CMA also provides preferential insurance schemes to its members, including Employees Compensation, Property, Fire, Plant and Machinery, Marine Cargo, and Product Liability, which are insured by well-established worldwide insurance companies. CMA Testing and Certification Laboratories Ltd.The CMA Testing and Certification Laboratories (CMA Testing) Ltd. is an independent technical institute under the CMA. It provides materials and products testing, production and preshipment inspection, and technical consultancy services, with the objective to promote the quality and safety standards of Hong Kong products. The CMA Testing is accredited under the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) operated by the Government. It is run by professionals, and provides impartial technical services in accordance with standard specifications laid down by various overseas countries or requirements stipulated by clients. Confidential reports and certificates are issued. 　

Other Services
The CMA provides services to members in many ways. Apart from providing direct assistance to its members, the CMA issues information circulars to members on a regular basis, publishes a monthly house journal "Hong Kong Entrepreneur" and a biannual directory of members. The directory is a handy reference for local and overseas businessmen. 

Membership
Members' Privileges

• The CMA is designated as a functional constituency representing industry. Permanent/Ordinary Members registered as voters are eligible to elect the CMA representative at the Legislative Council.

• Members' information will be listed in the Directory of Members and the CMA website free. A free website is also provided to each member under the CMA website for international publicity.

• Member Circular containing up-to-date information on the CMA’s activities and seminars, training courses and trade news will be disseminated to members free monthly.

• The CMA provides free enquiry services to assist members in exploring business opportunity and Trade Enquiry Section on the web puts members into direct contact with local and overseas buyers and keep abreast with the latest trade information.

• The CMA's house journal "Hong Kong Entrepreneur" will be sent to members free. Discounts are offered to members in advertising.Members can explore new business opportunities by advertising in "Member Privilege Scheme Leaflet" and "Member Business Promotion Leaflet". Leaflets will be sent to 3,700 members and other non-members as well.

• Members can enjoy discounts in insertion in the CMA's publications and display services.

For other members privileges and details of membership application, please contact the CMA Membership Division at tel no. 2542 8626 or e-mail to eoa4@cma.org.hk.