Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, took to the airwaves on September 18 to discuss the city's first Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026-2030) and his fifth Policy Address, both unveiled on September 16. The plan, a blueprint for the city's future, sets five main objectives: better livelihoods, economic breakthroughs, expanded global competitiveness and influence, faster Northern Metropolis development, and better service to the country.
Central to the plan is Hong Kong's international status. "The strength of Hong Kong is its international status, and we have been emphasising on how we ensure the internationalism or the 'internationalness' of Hong Kong. We are expanding to cover every part of the world where we can reach," Lee said, noting the Government's global network of Economic and Trade Offices, Invest Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Trade Development Council offices. He has led delegations to ASEAN, the Middle East, and Central Asia, with colleagues frequently visiting African nations like South Africa and Kenya.
To boost influence, Lee highlighted the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) headquarters in Hong Kong, an organization with United Nations status. An international office under the global network of corruption prevention authorities will also be established. "Hong Kong is an international city, which not just is very good at doing business, but is exercising its responsibility as a global participator, and also, we really can contribute," he said.
The Northern Metropolis (NM) project, occupying one third of Hong Kong's land, is a key focus. "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 stated. The NM aims to diversify industries, create jobs, and integrate with national development. "The NM is actually mentioned in our country's 15th Five-Year Plan. That means it is not just a Hong Kong development, it has been elevated as a state-driven project," he added.
On artificial intelligence, Lee stressed balancing opportunities and risks. "While we develop and ensure people understand and use it, we also need to tell everybody the potential risks that it will bring." A new Commissioner for AI will lead whole-of-government AI policy, coordination, and development, with the goal of sharing Hong Kong's experiences globally.
The plan's implications are significant: Hong Kong is positioning itself as a more proactive global player, leveraging its unique advantages under "one country, two systems" to drive economic growth and international cooperation. By elevating the Northern Metropolis to a national project, the city aims to secure long-term prosperity and integration with the Greater Bay Area. The establishment of IOMed and the AI Commissioner underscores Hong Kong's commitment to international legal and technological leadership. As Lee concluded, "We will capitalise on all the opportunities that the state can give us. At the same time, we will remain very fully connected to the international world. So we have the beauty of both worlds." For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
