First five-year plan strategic blueprint for HK

Editor's note: The Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is holding a three-day joint debate starting on Wednesday on the motion on the SAR's first five-year plan for economic and social development (2026-30) and the motion on the Hong Kong SAR government chief executive's 2026 Policy Address. Janice Tse Siu-wa, the SAR's secretary for constitutional and mainland affairs, spoke to Yangcheng Evening News, a Guangzhou-based media outlet, about the significance of the plan. Below are excerpts of the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

Hong Kong's first five-year plan is particularly important for the SAR's future development. It marks a milestone in public governance for the SAR government.

While we remain fully committed to the free market, changes in the broader environment have made it necessary for the government to play a more proactive role. Without multifaceted government support and guidance, economic development may lack focus amid intense global competition.

The formulation of the plan was people-centered, with the well-being of Hong Kong residents as its ultimate objective. During the consultation phase, members of the public shared their views, focusing on issues such as welfare and housing. Most of the views submitted were related to people's livelihood, and many of these suggestions were incorporated into the plan. For instance, the plan aims to remove substandard subdivided housing units in an orderly manner by 2030.

At the policy address every year, the SAR chief executive will detail the measures Hong Kong will adopt to implement the plan, and residents can offer their comments, which will help in formulating measures for the subsequent year or fine-tuning existing initiatives.

The plan opens vast opportunities for cooperation between Guangdong province and Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a vital engine for the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. While formulating the important plan, we visited nine mainland cities located in the Greater Bay Area and held meetings with the Macao SAR to draw on their experiences.

Hong Kong is exploring ways to leverage the major cooperation platforms in the Greater Bay Area, such as Hengqin, Qianhai, Nansha and Hetao. The city can capitalize on the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster to further drive the development of the Greater Bay Area. Guided by the five-year plan, Hong Kong will continue to collaborate with other Greater Bay Area cities, fulfilling its roles as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder".

The plan adheres to the principle of "one country, two systems". As a vibrant city economy where common law applies, Hong Kong's financial markets align with international financial rules and its trade extends globally. The SAR is practicing "one country, two systems" by continuing its openness, building on its strengths and leveraging its status as an international city to contribute to overall national development.

Hong Kong is a market economy ruled by law. The plan has set clearer directions and strategies for the future, which will boost investor confidence. The SAR will help investors and professional service practitioners understand the new opportunities the plan brings.

Hong Kong's unique asset is its international connectivity, which it leverages to serve national needs. The SAR government has made significant progress by aligning more proactively with national development.

For instance, the government will guide the development of the Northern Metropolis to turn Hong Kong into an international education hub that attracts global talent.