Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo to double number of security guards and check visitors before entry amid ongoing protests

Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong said it went ahead with annual event despite challenges because it did not want to disappoint visitors

The 22-day expo will open from 11am to 8pm daily, closing two hours earlier than last year

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Workers get stalls ready for the 2019 Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo, which opens on Tuesday. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 9:33pm, 9 Dec 2019Updated: 1:03am, 10 Dec 2019

The annual Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo – one of the city’s largest outdoor fairs and popular with bargain hunters – will open in Causeway Bay on Tuesday with strengthened security amid ongoing anti-government protests.

The number of security guards will be doubled for this year’s expo – the 54th since being established in 1938 – at Victoria Park, according to the organiser, the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong (CMA). The guards will include ones who are more professionally qualified and some of foreign nationality.

This year all visitors to the 22-day expo will have to go through security checks at the entrance. Banned items include dangerous objects, promotional materials carrying political messages, and non-drinkable liquids, the CMA said.

Hong Kong has been engulfed by protests, sparked by the now-withdrawn extradition bill, for six months. Many events have been cancelled because of security concerns.

There are fewer stalls at this year’s expo in Victoria Park. Photo: Sam Tsang

Some on LIHKG – an online forum popular with protesters – have made vague threats about the fair, which this year has fewer exhibitors, hours that have been cut back and a run shortened by two days. Fewer visitors are also forecast.