Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Visits Beijing to Discuss Northern Metropolis Development and Engineering Collaboration

2026-04-20 21:10 Last Updated At：21:18

SDEV concludes visit to Beijing

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

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SDEV concludes visit to Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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SDEV concludes visit to Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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 the familiarity with and extensive experience in applying international construction standards, combined with the engineering technology and thriving supply chain in the Chinese Mainland, 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.

HKSAR Officials Begin National Affairs Study at Beijing's National Academy of Governance

HKSARG Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments officially commence study programme

A delegation of Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government for a national affairs study officially commenced their programme today (April 20) at the National Academy of Governance (NAG) in Beijing to reinforce their understanding of the country's major policies and development strategies.

The Executive Vice President of NAG in charge of daily operations, Mr Xie Chuntao, gave a lecture to the participants on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. In addition, the Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments received a briefing on the National 15th Five-Year Plan to learn about the formulation objectives, processes, etc.

The Secretary for the Civil Service (SCS), Mrs Ingrid Yeung, called on Mr Xie in the morning. The Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Ms Shirley Lam, also attended.

Mrs Yeung expressed her gratitude to NAG for having long been giving strong support for the civil service training of the HKSAR Government. She said, "The civil service is a key part of the HKSAR governance system, shouldering the responsibility of implementing the 'one country, two systems' principle and supporting the administration of the HKSAR Government. This study programme, designed for the most senior officers in the civil service, is a valuable learning opportunity conducive to the understanding of the key national policies and the evolving global landscape, which will facilitate the formulation and implementation of policies and measures within respective bureaux in proactive alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan in the future."

She also noted that NAG has long been an important partner in the civil service training of the HKSAR Government. The Civil Service Bureau will continue to strengthen training for civil servants at all levels to ensure their accurate understanding of the constitutional order, national security and national policies, and enhance their national identity and patriotic spirit as well as awareness and sense of responsibility in proactively safeguarding national security.

Mrs Yeung yesterday (April 19) led a delegation of more than 20 Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments of the HKSAR Government to Beijing for the study and duty visit. This marks the second time since 2023 for Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments to study on the Mainland. The delegation will continue the programme in Beijing tomorrow (April 21).

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Visits Beijing to Discuss Northern Metropolis Development and Engineering Collaboration

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