Hong Kong's Chief Executive Outlines Five-Year Plan Objectives
News related to:Hong Kong SAR · 2 min read
Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, took to the airwaves on September 18, 2026, to discuss the city's strategic vision for the next five years. This came as part of the unveiling of the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and his fifth Policy Address, both of which were introduced on September 16.
The plan, spanning from 2026 to 2030, outlines five main objectives: better livelihoods for all, breakthroughs in economic development, expanding global competitiveness and influence, faster development of the Northern Metropolis, and better service to the country.
Lee highlighted the importance of global competitiveness, noting that Hong Kong's international status is a key strength. The government has established offices, including Economic and Trade Offices, and the offices of Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, in various countries around the world.
Since taking office four years ago, Lee has led delegation visits to regions such as ASEAN Member States, the Middle East, and recently Central Asia.
To boost Hong Kong's influence in overseas markets, Lee pointed to the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) as an example. Lee also mentioned that an international office would be set up in Hong Kong under the global network of corruption prevention authorities.
The First Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address place strong focus on speeding up the development of the Northern Metropolis (NM) project. "The Northern Metropolis represents about one-third of our geographical area. So it is a big piece of land that gives us new opportunities. An opportunity to upgrade ourselves, both from the accommodation angle as well as development angle," Lee said. Beyond the city's core economic strengths such as finance, shipping, and trade, the NM would provide room for diversifying local industries, creating new jobs, and a brighter future as more development opportunities emerge from different kinds of industries as well as closer alignment with national development.
Lee noted that the NM is actually mentioned in the country's 15th Five-Year Plan, elevating it as a state-driven project. "With the elevation of position, we will have to work hard. And I am sure that the Central Government will also help us to ensure that this will be a success story," he said.
The press release can be viewed at https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/314978.