Editor's note: Kong Qingjiang, a special commentator for CGTN, is the vice dean of the School of International Law, China University of Political Science and Law. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

In March, John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), stated that Hong Kong would formulate its first five-year plan to establish a systematic policy framework for the HKSAR.

The proposed formulation of systematic development plans by the HKSAR government will be a crucial measure that meets the demands of the times and ensures long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. This planning action will carry multi-faceted reasons and profound significance.

Hong Kong's integration into the overall national development is an inevitable choice for its own better development. As a highly open international metropolis, Hong Kong's inherent advantages are facing challenges brought by profound changes in the global landscape.

National development strategies, such as the 14th Five-Year Plan, the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative, provide Hong Kong with an unprecedentedly broad platform and strategic depth.

By actively aligning with national plans, including the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, the HKSAR can clarify its functional positioning within the country's overall layout, for instance, consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial, shipping and trade center, as well as an offshore Renminbi (RMB) business hub, and developing into an international innovation and technology center.

This not only helps Hong Kong overcome bottlenecks, to name a few, a relatively small local market and a singular industrial base, but also enables it to gain sustained momentum and support within the pattern of the nation's two-way opening up.

The HKSAR's planning is expected to serve the nation's needs with Hong Kong's strengths. In this context, Hong Kong can act as a super connector and super value-adder in national development, thereby further contributing to the development of the Chinese mainland and the HKSAR. Moreover, such integration will also enhance its ability to withstand external risks, explore new growth spaces and ensure the continuation and strengthening of its core competitiveness in the new era.

In addition, empirical evidence has shown that well-crafted, scientific development planning is essential for both national and local progress. Domestically, a prosperous and stable Hong Kong is an invaluable asset for the country. Successful planning and smooth development in Hong Kong directly reinforce the vitality and practical effectiveness of "One Country, Two Systems." This provides unique and robust support for the nation's broader reform, opening up and modernization, especially in areas like financial connectivity, professional services and international networking.

Locally, in Hong Kong, a clear, pragmatic development blueprint holds immense value. It can foster social consensus, unite all sectors around development, and reduce internal friction. Moreover, such a blueprint balances economic development, social progress and environmental protection. The harmony improves people's livelihoods, advances social fairness and justice, and enhances the well-being of all residents. In addition, it can provide guidance to public investors and market participants, optimize the business environment, and attract long-term capital.

As Hong Kong prepares to transform vision into an actionable path and challenges into opportunities, the plan is expected to ensure the region continues to elevate its development quality. Ultimately, it will deliver tangible benefits to its residents while achieving common prosperity and progress alongside the nation.

Drawing on the Chinese mainland's success in using development planning to promote growth holds significant methodological value for Hong Kong. Over decades of development, the Chinese mainland has gradually established an effective governance model that guides socio-economic development, coordinates resource allocation, and harmonizes actions across all parties through the formulation and implementation of medium- and long-term plans.

Institutional arrangements such as five-year plans demonstrate the importance of setting long-term goals, maintaining policy continuity, building social consensus, and implementing strategic blueprints in phases. Hong Kong has long been known for being market-led, free and flexible. However, when addressing deep-seated socio-economic contradictions, such as land and housing shortages, economic restructuring, and upward mobility for youth, it similarly requires more forward-looking, systematic, and coordinated top-level design and public policies.

Learning from the scientific assessment, long-term vision and execution capabilities within the Chinese mainland's planning experience can help the HKSAR government enhance its governance efficacy, systematically resolve long-accumulated problems, guide market forces and social resources towards clearly defined goals and achieve more balanced and sustainable development.

In summary, the HKSAR's formulation of development plans is both a strategic choice to actively integrate into national development and forge a new path, and a practical need to learn from effective governance experience to enhance its own efficacy. It is also an embodiment of responsibility for Hong Kong's future and for the nation's overall interests. Its profound significance will continue to be manifested as Hong Kong and the nation develop together.

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