In 1904, China encouraged the business community to set up chambers of commerce in an effort to bridge the gulf between government officials and businessmen. They encouraged businesses to engage in industry and commerce, and to boost competitiveness with foreign capital investors. Over 45 years, spanning 1904 to 1949, Chinese chambers of commerce flourished and matured, and they played a key role in the structural and economic creation of modern China. This book documents the historical role of China's chambers of commerce. (Series: Economic History in China)