Hong Kong lawmakers have commenced discussions on key policy blueprints aimed at driving economic breakthroughs and enhancing global competitiveness.
Legislature begins debate on Hong Kong’s first five-year plan
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A three-day debate regarding motions on the 2026 Policy Address and Hong Kong’s inaugural five-year plan officially commenced in the Legislative Council today.
During his opening remarks in the legislature, Chief Secretary Eric Chan emphasised that executing the five-year plan is a massive and complex undertaking. According to Hong Kong’s public broadcaster RTHK, he promised that the government would take the initiative and act proactively to ensure tangible outcomes for society.
Chan noted that the administration will utilise the Policy Address as its annual agenda, translating macro direction and strategic goals into actionable policy measures that deliver visible progress. Furthermore, when the chief executive delivers his annual duty visit report to the central government, he will outline progress on the five-year plan, review performance, and recommend improvements. Chan also confirmed that the budget will provide the necessary financial resources to execute the plan while strictly adhering to the principle of maintaining fiscal sustainability.
Key goals of the five-year plan
The debate is divided into six distinct sessions, with each focusing on a specific policy theme. Wednesday’s discussions are concentrating on strengthening the city’s traditional economic pillars, developing Hong Kong into an international home for top-tier talent, and consolidating its global competitive edges. Lawmakers have each been allocated a total of 20 minutes across the sessions to share their perspectives on the two policy blueprints.
[See more: Hong Kong retains its position as the freest economy globally]
Speaking ahead of an Executive Council meeting, Chief Executive John Lee highlighted that the five-year plan establishes a comprehensive blueprint designed to leverage the city’s strengths, address its weaknesses, seize opportunities, and manage risks, underpinned by a thorough review of the current situation.
Lee reiterated the five primary goals of the five-year plan, which include making economic breakthroughs, boosting international competitiveness and influence, accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis, significantly improving people’s livelihoods, and making major progress in integrating into and serving overall national development.
