SDEV Concludes Visit to Beijing

SDEV concludes visit to Beijing

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, today (April 20) conducted a series of exchanges and visits in Beijing.

In the morning, Ms Linn called on the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) and held a working meeting with Deputy Director-General of the Bureau of International Cooperation of the SASAC Mr Xie Hui, to brief him on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's work in accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis (NM) and encouraging enterprise participation. Ms Linn said that to expedite the development of the NM, the HKSAR Government has been adopting various diversified implementation approaches. These include establishing an industry park company owned by the Government to promote industry anchoring and development, and inviting tenders at the end of last year for the pilot area of about 11 hectares under large-scale land disposal in the Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area. In addition, the SAR Government strives to introduce dedicated legislation to accelerate the development of the NM within this year, further removing barriers and facilitating business operations.

Ms Linn expressed gratitude to the SASAC for supporting and encouraging state-owned enterprises to participate in the development of the NM. She said that the National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in accelerating the development of the NM. Hong Kong will definitely seize the opportunity to proactively align with the requirements of national strategies, translating the Central Government's support into tangible outcomes that will drive high-quality development and improve people's livelihoods in Hong Kong.

Afterwards, Ms Linn met with Vice President of the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) Mr Chen Yong and his team to exchange views on how to forge the construction industry into strong new quality productive forces, and to discuss deepening co-operation in promoting the adoption of advanced construction technologies by the industry in both places, particularly the application of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), with a view to making MiC a high-end industry of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) with global reach. Ms Linn then had lunch with the Chairman of the CSCEC, Mr Zheng Xuexuan, to exchange views on how enterprises could participate in the development of the NM by multiple means and innovations in the construction industry. She thanked the CSCEC for its active participation in Hong Kong's construction over the years, and said she looks forward to the CSCEC and its subsidiaries' continuous support and participation in the development of the NM, jointly promoting the sustainable development and innovation of the construction industry.

Ms Linn also visited Building 28 in Sanlihe Yiqu, a redevelopment project for dilapidated and old buildings in Xicheng District of Beijing undertaken by a subsidiary of the CSCEC. She learned that the project adopted the "in-situ demolish-and-rebuild" model and incorporated the MiC smart construction technology, which significantly shortened the construction period and enabled rapid topping-out and early rehousing of residents.

In the afternoon, Ms Linn attended the "Hong Kong Engineering Legacy Exhibition@Capital" organised by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) in celebration of its 50th anniversary. Themed "revisiting 50 years of glory, building a new generation together", the exhibition showcases the remarkable achievements of Hong Kong's engineering sector over the past half-century and introduces the new development trends of integrating innovative technology with the engineering industry in the future.

Speaking at the launching ceremony of the exhibition, Ms Linn said that the HKIE's hosting of the exhibition in Beijing expresses through action the engineering profession's dedication for integrating into the overall development of the country and its passion and commitment to serve the nation. The National 15th Five-Year Plan provides clear direction for the future development of the construction industry, calling on the sector to consolidate and enhance its global standing and competitiveness. Over the years, the Hong Kong engineering sector has accumulated rich experience in major infrastructure projects. This, coupled with the sector's excellent talent, world-class professional standards, outstanding capabilities for project management, and achievement of multiple international awards, laid a solid foundation for Hong Kong to develop into an international infrastructure centre. Looking ahead, Ms Linn encouraged the engineering professionals to actively leverage the unique advantages of enjoying the country's strong support while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world. With their familiarity and extensive experience in applying international construction standards, combined with the engineering technology and thriving supply chain in the Chinese Mainland, they can complement each other’s strengths and jointly build the "China construction" brand, supporting the country to promote its advanced construction and water infrastructure technologies, materials, and products to the world, ultimately benefiting mankind.

Ms Linn concluded her visit and returned to Hong Kong this evening.

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, today (April 20) attended the "Hong Kong Engineering Legacy Exhibition@Capital" organised by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE) in celebration of its 50th anniversary in Beijing. Photo shows Ms Linn (third right); the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau (first right); the President of the HKIE, Ms Alice Chow (centre); the Director of the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Exchange Office of the China Association for Science and Technology, Ms Luo Hui (third left); Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Ye Shuiqiu (second right) and other guests at the launching ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, today (April 20) attended the "Hong Kong Engineering Legacy Exhibition@Capital" organised by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers in celebration of its 50th anniversary in Beijing. Photo shows Ms Linn (front row, third left); the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau (front row, second left); and Deputy Secretary for Development (Works) Mr Tony Ho (front row, first left) touring the exhibition. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, today (April 20) attended the "Hong Kong Engineering Legacy Exhibition@Capital" organised by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers in celebration of its 50th anniversary in Beijing. Photo shows Ms Linn delivering a speech at the launching ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn (centre), today (April 20) visited Building 28 in Sanlihe Yiqu, a redevelopment project for dilapidated and old buildings in Xicheng District of Beijing undertaken by a subsidiary of the China State Construction Engineering Corporation in Beijing. The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau (fourth right); the Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, Ms Linda So (third left); and Deputy Secretary for Development (Works) Mr Tony Ho (second left) also joined the visit. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn (third right), today (April 20) met with Vice President of the China State Construction Engineering Corporation Mr Chen Yong (third left) and his team in Beijing. The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau (second right); the Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, Ms Linda So (fourth right); and Deputy Secretary for Development (Works) Mr Tony Ho (first right) also attended. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn (third left), today (April 20) held a working meeting with Deputy Director-General of the Bureau of International Cooperation of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council Mr Xie Hui (second right), in Beijing. The Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, Ms Linda So (second left), and Deputy Secretary for Development (Works) Mr Tony Ho (fourth left) also attended. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by CE at Welcome Dinner for Global Prosperity Summit 2026 (with photos/video)

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Welcome Dinner for the Global Prosperity Summit 2026 today (May 18):

Vice President Han Zhiqiang (Vice President of the China Public Diplomacy Association), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Mrs Regina Ip (Chairperson of Savantas Policy Institute and Convenor of the Non-official Members of the Executive Council), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. It's a pleasure to join you, tonight, for the welcome dinner of the third Global Prosperity Summit.

This annual summit is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and, in turn, advancing sustainable prosperity worldwide.

China, our country, certainly shares these goals.

The Global Governance Initiative, unveiled last year by President Xi Jinping at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting, highlights the importance of abiding by international rule of law, practising true multilateralism, advocating a people-centred approach, and other principles in line with the United Nations Charter.

It adds to our country's Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative. Together, they underscore China's commitment to building a community with a shared future for humanity.

As a special administrative region of China, Hong Kong upholds these important values, and endeavours to realise them. A champion of free trade and multilateralism, Hong Kong's doors have long been open – wide and welcoming to all.

In a world riddled with geopolitical and economic ruptures, Hong Kong stands out as an economy, and a society, built on stability, certainty and trust. Call them our natural resources, entrusted to us by the "one country, two systems" principle. And know that they are in great demand, because they instil confidence, encourage co-operation, and the rewarding opportunities co-operation enables.

In its latest assessment on Hong Kong's economic and financial situation, published last week, the International Monetary Fund reaffirms Hong Kong's role as an international financial centre and "super connector", particularly as a leading fundraising hub and premier offshore Renminbi centre. It notes that Hong Kong's economy has continued to recover, supported by robust technology-related exports, improving private demand and a rebound in financial market activity.

Indeed, the Hong Kong economy, I'm pleased to note, has expanded robustly in the first quarter of 2026 – growing 5.9 per cent year-on-year. That's a significant acceleration from the 4.0 per cent growth in the preceding quarter. Last year, Hong Kong became the world's fifth-largest trading entity in merchandise trade, achieving a 17.5 per cent year-on-year increase.

These are all backed by Hong Kong's unique edge under the "one country, two systems" principle, which brings together the China advantage and the global advantage in this world city. It ensures our established tradition of the rule of law, and a common law system that resembles most global financial hubs. It ensures our low and simple tax regime. It ensures the free flow of information, capital, goods and talent.

More than that, it ensures our city continues to thrive as a conduit of cultures, a platform for exchange, and an engine of sustainable innovation.

This Global Prosperity Summit is a compelling illustration of that. Tomorrow morning's opening session puts a bright spotlight on APEC, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. This year, China, our country, is APEC's host economy, with the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting taking place in Shenzhen in November and Hong Kong hosting, for the first time, the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting in October, thanks to the unwavering support of our country.

Finance ministers and senior officials from APEC's 21 member economies are expected to attend the meeting. We anticipate that representatives of international organisations such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank will also be there.

For Hong Kong, it is a precious, and much welcomed, opportunity to deepen international co-operation and exchanges, while showcasing our formidable strengths as a global financial centre and much more.

Of course, APEC and the world at large are well aware of Hong Kong's stature and structure as an international financial centre – ranked third in the world, and topping the Asia-Pacific rankings, in the latest Global Financial Centres Index. But the Finance Ministers' Meeting gives APEC leaders the chance to see, firsthand, why Hong Kong is also the world's leading offshore Renminbi centre, gateway to China's capital markets and magnet for Mainland and international IPOs – with more and more listings coming from rising technology industries.

And that creates another splendid prospect – the opportunity to showcase the Northern Metropolis. We're eager to welcome international financial and business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs, here for the APEC meetings and more, to take a close-up look at Hong Kong's future economic engine and innovation and technology hub.

The National 15th Five-Year Plan, approved in March, supports the fast-track development of the Northern Metropolis. Spanning one-third of Hong Kong's area, the Northern Metropolis borders Hong Kong's boundary with the Mainland city of Shenzhen.

It provides valuable land for innovative development, and will boost our contributions to the country's overall development and our integration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In cutting-edge technology, in global finance, and in many more areas.

Take education, for example. Hong Kong is the only city that boasts as many as five universities in the world's top 100. Subjects like dentistry, nursing, and education offered by our institutions are ranked among the global top 10. Our two medical schools are both in the world's top 50.

To build on the strengths of our world-class education sector, the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government will develop the Northern Metropolis University Town. It will provide fresh pieces of land for post-secondary institutions to introduce signature programmes, research collaborations and exchange projects.

Hong Kong's third medical school will admit its first students in two years' time. It will eventually move to a permanent site in the Northern Metropolis, together with an integrated medical education, research and patient-care hospital.

There it will take its place as a pillar of the Northern Metropolis University Town, supporting Hong Kong's rise as an education hub and medical research and innovatin centre, attracting a world of teaching, research and medical talent.

The Greater Bay Area Clinical Trial Collaboration Platform was launched at the end of last year, in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, a vast area that covers both sides of our boundary with Shenzhen. There, we work together with our Shenzhen counterpart in co-ordinating multi-centre, cross-boundary clinical trials that meet both national and international standards.

Later this year, we will set up the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation, focused on its emergence as an internationally recognised regulatory authority for medical products. The Centre, let me add, will emphasise both Western and Chinese medicine and medical devices.

And, in late March, we began implementation of primary evaluation for new drug registration. It will allow for the faster approval of innovative drugs in Hong Kong, while encouraging local R&D (research and development).

In September, we will host the World Cancer Congress, welcoming medical specialists and researchers from all over the world to Hong Kong.

Deepening international exchanges and co-operation through such mega events allows the world to see Hong Kong as the free and open economy, and society, it is – one committed to creating rewarding opportunities for all concerned.

I'm also pleased to add that the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly will be held in Hong Kong in November. That, ladies and gentlemen, speaks of Hong Kong's growing prominence in international law enforcement. Delegates from some 190 law enforcement bodies worldwide will gather here – to see that our law enforcement agencies are highly regarded, that we are home to a globally recognised anti-corruption commission, and that Hong Kong is one of the world's safest cities.

We are among the world's leading sports and entertainment cities, too, let me add. Last month, the Hong Kong Sevens celebrated its 50th anniversary in style, at our world-class Kai Tak Sports Park. The event was said to have generated economic benefits of more than HK$100 million. And the organisers have plans to expand it from a three-day tournament to a week-long festival of sports and entertainment.

In December, Hong Kong will host the Association of National Olympic Committees General Assembly, one of the sports world's major events.

The international gathering is expected to attract over 1 200 sports leaders, dignitaries and representatives from over 200 National Olympic Committees, as well as the International Olympic Committee and the Organising Committees of the Olympic Games.

There's more, much more to tell, ladies and gentlemen. And in so many sectors, industries and areas, each and every one reflecting, in its own inimitable way, Hong Kong's singular status as a multi-level bridge connecting economies, cultures, peoples and opportunities.

My thanks to the organisers – the Savantas Policy Institute, the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies and the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong – for once again bringing the world to us.

Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all the best of business at the Global Prosperity Summit, and a memorable stay with us in Hong Kong.

Thank you very much.

Speech by CE at Welcome Dinner for Global Prosperity Summit 2026 (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by CE at Welcome Dinner for Global Prosperity Summit 2026 (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases