John Lee: Hong Kong formulating 1st five-year plan at full speed

Hong Kong is formulating its first five-year development plan at full speed, John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said on Monday.

Addressing the Hong Kong Economic Summit 2026, Lee said the plan aims to unite various sectors of the community to proactively align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), provide clear guidance for Hong Kong's socio-economic and livelihood development, and drive better integration of Hong Kong into the country's overall development.

Lee noted that the 15th Five-Year Plan reaffirms Hong Kong's unique advantages and important role with its close connection with the world market and strong support from the motherland.

The HKSAR will deepen cooperation with cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to help build it into a world-class bay area, Lee said.

Hong Kong will also expand its global economic and trade networks, consolidating ties with traditional economies while strengthening exchanges with emerging economies, including those of the Global South, he added.

Noting the HKSAR government has set up a task force on supporting mainland enterprises in going global, Lee said the task force will synergize mainland innovation capacity, Hong Kong's international professional services, and the purchasing power of global investors seeking secure investment opportunities, helping quality enterprises expand overseas and attracting international capital.