Larry Ho is a very busy man - and not just because it is peak manufacturing season for Christmas orders. A manager at a bra-and-panties factory in southern China, Mr Ho is apologetic as he arrives a few minutes late to an appointment. His excuse is one that has become increasingly common in the region over recent months - a safety inspector for a big western buyer has made an unscheduled visit.

As soon as Mr Ho sits down, he is off again, having forgotten something for the unannounced visitor to Top Form Brassiere Mfg, a Hong Kong-based and listed manufacturer whose clients include the likes of Maidenform, Vanity Fair and The Gap. "I was expecting [the Financial Times] this morning - not him," he says when he returns, pointing to the inspector on his factory floor.