Hong Kong Unveils First Five-Year Plan to Drive Economic Growth and Integrate into National Development

Full text of the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (1)

Foreword

Formulated in the opening year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, this inaugural Five-Year Plan of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) represents a major initiative of the HKSAR Government to uphold and enhance the executive-led system, and to improve the efficacy of its governance. It signals the strategic planning need for Hong Kong to proactively align with national development strategies, and better integrate into and serve the overall national development. It also provides an action agenda for forging consensus and uniting different sectors in society with a view to promoting Hong Kong's transition from stability to prosperity and achieving high-quality development of our city.

Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan

The formulation of the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan) has to be grounded in the city's practical reality. It is imperative to devise a medium- to long-term strategy for Hong Kong's development, spelling out the directions of development, mission targets, strategic priorities as well as implementation roadmaps, supported by operable and effective policy measures and major projects that feature Hong Kong's unique character. By formulating the Five-Year Plan, we shall shed light on our directions of development, optimise resource allocation, stabilise social expectations, and better protect social well-being and the interests of investors across the world, building a Hong Kong that is more open, more inclusive, more liberal, more prosperous and safer. We will make Hong Kong a bridge and gateway between our country and the rest of the world as well as a more attractive, vibrant and opportunity-rich world city, continuing to make unique and more substantial contributions to building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation through advancement of Chinese modernisation.

Part 1

Open up New Horizons and Unfold a New Chapter

Chapter 1 Seize the Strategic Opportunities Presented by Changes Unseen in a Century

1.1 In the 14th Five Year Plan period, under the leadership and staunch support of the Central Government, Hong Kong has achieved a historic transition from chaos to order and from stability to prosperity. Back in 2019, Hong Kong was overwhelmed by its own version of "colour revolution" and "black clad" violence, with public order severely undermined. The entire society descended into chaos and unrest as innocent citizens were assaulted, facilities set ablaze and vandalised, and daily lives disrupted. Against this backdrop, the Central Government took decisive action to restore social order by promulgating and implementing the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Following the improvement of the electoral system and the full implementation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", the new term Election Committee, Legislative Council, and District Councils were formed successively. In addition, the HKSAR Government has accomplished the glorious mission of enacting local legislation for Article 23 of the Basic Law and implementing the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Not only has this bridged the gap of 26 years and 8 months of unfulfilled constitutional responsibility, but also provided a reliable safeguard for Hong Kong to strive for a vibrant economy, pursue development, improve people's livelihood, and foster reforms. Resuming its governance in the way as intended under the principle of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong has entered a new phase where we transitioned from chaos to order and is now advancing from stability to prosperity. Our economy has returned to positive growth. Besides maintaining its position as the world's freest economy, Hong Kong has risen to top spot in cross boundary wealth management worldwide and is ranked second in world competitiveness. The city is ranked third among international financial centres and has come fourth in talent competitiveness. While staying in fourth place as an international maritime centre, Hong Kong has advanced to fifth in merchandise trade. In 2025, our median employment earnings of full time employees has increased by about 20% over a four year period. All these indicate that Hong Kong is at its prime both politically and economically.

1.2 In the 15th Five Year Plan period, Hong Kong finds itself at a time of development when strategic opportunities exist alongside risks and challenges with intensifying uncertainties. At this juncture, global, epoch making and historical changes are unfolding at a faster pace. A profound shift is taking place in the international balance of power. Unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonism are clashing vigorously with multi polarity and economic globalisation. Relations between major countries are having a major bearing on the international landscape, the dynamics of which will in turn exert a profound impact on the development of Hong Kong. As a highly externally oriented economy, Hong Kong is extremely susceptible to the influence of the said changing environment. Hong Kong's economic structure still leaves room for enhancement, the mission of transitioning to new growth drivers remains formidable, and deep seated social problems still require speedy resolution.

Hong Kong, Photo source: reference image

1.3 In a world of such turbulent times, China has become a major stabiliser and driver for global economic growth. The 15th Five Year Plan, which outlines a blueprint for future national development and also places a heightened demand for Hong Kong's better integration into and service of the overall national development, presents major opportunities and opens up new ground for the growth of our city. It is against this background that we formulate our first Five Year Plan to decisively seize the opportunities presented by national development, with the determination to proactively identify, navigate, and embrace changes, and to fully align with the National 15th Five Year Plan.

1.4 The new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation has expedited breakthroughs, while the prominence of artificial intelligence (AI) has catalysed the emergence of new industries, new forms of business, and new models. Against the changing domestic and global landscapes, Hong Kong needs to change our mindset and beliefs, drawing on the experience of our country and the effective practices of major global economies to devise a medium to long term development strategy. Such a strategy should spell out the directions of development, mission targets, strategic priorities, and implementation roadmaps, addressing our shortcomings to realise better and faster future development.

Chapter 2 Hong Kong's Historic Position in the Period of the 15th Five Year Plan

1.5 The 15th Five Year Plan period is a time which presents Hong Kong with strategic opportunities to proactively embrace modern trends, consolidate and enhance our competitive edge, nurture new growth drivers, and achieve high quality economic and social development. These are five crucial years for us to seize the opportunity to expedite our transition from stability to prosperity, enhancing social well-being, and building a better home for all. These are five promising years for us to integrate into and serve the overall national development, shouldering the dual responsibilities of realising our full potential and contributing to our country.

Photo source: reference image

Chapter 3 Consolidate and Strengthen Hong Kong's Unique Strengths

1.6 Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantages of being supported by our country while closely connected to the world under "one country, two systems". With a solid foundation of institutional strengths, Hong Kong remains committed to a free and open economic system with the free flow of capital, goods, people, and information. Besides being the world's only Chinese English bilingual common law jurisdiction, Hong Kong is held in high regard for its rule of law and maintains a simple tax regime, a clean and efficient government and civil service, as well as internationally aligned regulatory standards. With all these advantages, Hong Kong boasts an internationalised business and investment environment with stability, security, fairness, and predictability. Hong Kong is a "safe harbour", and a "safe harbour" is a "harbour for development". Security has become one of Hong Kong's major developmental advantages. Hong Kong's status as a world renowned international financial, maritime and trade centre, coupled with its world class education and talent resources, consistently positions the city at the forefront of attracting global high end production factors. With all its strengths, capacity, and confidence, Hong Kong will play an effective role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder". Not only will we better realise our own development, but also contribute our might to building our country into a strong nation while advancing national rejuvenation.

Hong Kong, Photo source: reference image

Table 1 Hong Kong's International Rankings in Economic and Social Development

Overall

• World's 2nd most competitive economy (World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026)

• Ranked 1st globally in "Business legislation" and "Tax policy"

• Ranked 2nd globally in "Finance"

• Ranked 3rd globally in "International trade", "International investment", "Management practices" and "Education"

• Ranked 4th globally in "Public finance" and "Basic infrastructure"

Economy and Trade

• World's freest economy (Economic Freedom of the World 2025

Annual Report)

• World's 5th largest trading entity in merchandise trade (2025)

Finance

• World's No. 3 and AsiaPacific's No.1 financial centre (Global Financial Centres Index released in March 2026)

• World's No. 2 for initial public offering funds raised (First half of 2026)

• World's largest crossboundary wealth management centre (Global Wealth Report 2026)

Maritime and Aviation

• World's No. 4 international maritime centre (The XinhuaBaltic International Shipping Centre Development Index (2026))

• World's No. 1 in air cargo throughput and 8th in international passenger traffic (World's Busiest Airports rankings 2025)

• World's No. 5 in registered ship tonnage

Innovation and Technology

• AsiaPacific's No. 2 and World's No.4 for digital competitiveness (World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025)

• ShenzhenHong KongGuangzhou innovation cluster ranked 1st globally (Global Innovation Index 2026)

Legal Services

• World's 2nd most preferred seat for arbitration (2025 International Arbitration Survey)

Culture, Sports, and Tourism

• Among World's Greatest Places of 2026: Kai Tak Sports Park (Time Magazine: The World's Greatest Places of 2026)

Chapter 4 Underlying Principles of the Five Year Plan

Adhere to the "one country, two systems" Principle

1.7 With a resolute commitment to fully and faithfully implementing the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong", and a high degree of autonomy, the Government acts in strict compliance with the Constitution and the Basic Law while remaining steadfast in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. It is our duty to ensure no deviation or distortion in the implementation of "one country, two systems". We will uphold and enhance the executive led system; we will adhere to the improved electoral system; and we are committed to the full implementation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong". These will intensify our efforts to strengthen the HKSAR's governance systems and capacity, and enhance the efficacy of governance in accordance with the law, so as to reinforce the positive landscape as we advance from stability to prosperity.

Remain Committed to a Livelihood oriented Approach

1.8 Committed to the livelihood oriented approach, the Government aims to provide practical solutions to people’s livelihood concerns. With a focus on the most acute, direct, and practical challenges facing the people, we will prioritise our resources in improving social well-being in areas of deep seated livelihood concerns such as housing, healthcare, education, employment and elderly care, so as to continuously elevate the sense of fulfilment, happiness, and security in our community.

Photo source: reference image

Uphold an Executive led System

1.9 The Government will uphold the principle of executive led governance, with the Chief Executive and the HKSAR Government at the helm embracing the leadership role, earnestly shouldering the primary responsibility for Hong Kong's governance with a sense of commitment and public service. The administration will take the lead to strive for highly efficacious governance, driving collaborative efforts among the executive, legislative, and judicial arms as they perform their respective duties, thereby achieving governance synergy. Formulating and implementing the Five Year Plan is a challenging system wide undertaking, which calls for the executive branch to fully leverage its crucial role to put the "decision led, resource led, social mobilisation, public first" philosophy¹ into practice.

Embrace Reform and Innovation

1.10 We are committed to deepening reforms through institutional innovations for elevated governance efficacy, an enhanced civil service structure, and an enhanced Heads of Departments Accountability System. We will strengthen interdepartmental collaboration, supervision, and oversight for better public service, while adopting measures for the digital government initiative and large scale application of AI to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. We will foster a better business environment, while expediting land and housing supply as well as industry restructuring. In terms of key areas such as finance, innovation and technology (I&T), the Northern Metropolis, community services, and regional co-ordination, etc, we will rid ourselves of development bottlenecks through institutional reforms and policy breakthroughs to further enhance Hong Kong's overall competitiveness and development impetus.

Photo source: design image

Uphold the Two pronged Approach of "Effective Market" and "Capable Government"

1.11 We uphold the two pronged approach of "effective market" and "capable govrnment". Through strategic guidance, investment in infrastructure, system innovations as well as modernisation of our laws, we will sustain a high quality business environment that is open, transparent, grounded in rule of law, and internationalised. We will consolidate and enhance our long standing advantages that are our international finance, maritime, trading, and aviation industries, while expediting I&T development, so as to bolster Hong Kong's overall competitiveness. On the other hand, the Government will share market and economic development insights, stimulate innovation and competitiveness within the business sector, while promoting the free flow and optimal matching of the key factors such as funds, talent, and skills, etc. With a capable government working in tandem with an effective market, we will create strong and synergised impetus driving the high quality development of Hong Kong.

Adopt a Holistic Approach to Development and Security

1.12 National security is the bedrock of Hong Kong's steady development. We will faithfully fulfil our responsibility in safeguarding national and public safety. We will enhance the legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security, as well as the social governance system to prevent risks and resolve challenges of various sorts. We strive to create an environment for development that is safe, ideal for living, and orderly, so as to safeguard Hong Kong's long term prosperity and stability.

National security law, Photo source: AP News

A Pragmatic and Proactive Planning

1.13 We are guided by an evidence based approach with systemic principles in formulating the Five Year Plan. The Five Year Plan accentuates key areas for us to focus our efforts so as to elevate our development impetus across the board. We will remain practical in setting realistic development goals while proceeding with prudence and order. Throughout the planning process, we will duly consider practicalities in implementation to ensure tangible results. We will widely consult various stakeholders, thereby forging consensus by tapping the collective wisdom.

Chapter 5 Major Objectives

1.14 Achieving new breakthroughs in economic development. We endeavour to consolidate and enhance "Four Centres and One Hub", that is to consolidate and enhance our status as international financial, maritime, and trade centres and an international aviation hub, while expediting the city's development into an international I&T centre and an international hub for high calibre talent, thereby fostering an economic structure where technology and industries are deeply integrated. This will drive the high quality development of our economy. We will strengthen the city's role as a global offshore renminbi (RMB) business hub, an international asset and wealth management centre, and an international risk management centre, while developing a commodity trading ecosystem and a high value added supply chain services centre. We will deepen financial innovations, empower industries through finance, and develop high end financial services such as green finance and digital finance.

1.15 Expanding our global competitiveness and influence continuously. We will deepen our efforts to develop Hong Kong into a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services and a regional centre for intellectual property trade, as the city's influence as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia Pacific region has heightened significantly. We will drive Hong Kong's development into an East meets West centre for international cultural exchange to further promote the flourishing and integrated development of culture, sports, and tourism. We will expand the reach of our high quality post-secondary education to attract more non local students to study in Hong Kong and global top notch talent and innovation collectives to establish their presence in our city. We will strengthen our economic development impetus and global competitiveness.

The Northern Metropolis, Photo source: reference image

1.16 Enhancing the speed and effectiveness of the Northern Metropolis development. With the Northern Metropolis serving as the key growth engine for post-secondary education and I&T development, we will promote the integrated development of education, technology, and talent. The synergised development of industrial parks, universities, and research institutions will foster an innovation ecosystem where industry, academia, and research are deeply integrated. We will also adopt the smart city concept in the planning of transport, housing, greening as well as other public facilities. Taken together, the Northern Metropolis will emerge as a well-equipped metropolitan area ideal for living, work, and travel, further boosting Hong Kong's overall competitiveness and momentum for sustainable development.

1.17 Enhancing social well-being markedly. We will continue to enhance people's livelihood, by improving public services across healthcare, education, housing, elderly care, and other areas. We will strengthen labour rights protection, enhance employment support measures, and put in place a more efficient social security system for targeted response. We will expedite smart city development to create a better living and work environment and continue to enhance the sense of fulfilment, happiness, and security in the community.

1.18 Taking significant strides in integrating into and serving the overall national development. We will take an active part in taking forward major national strategies. We will deepen the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, advancing the development of major co-operation platforms in Qianhai, Nansha, and Hetao. We will strengthen the co-operation with Mainland cities in technological innovation, industry collaboration, and infrastructure interconnectivity, while maintaining close alignment with high-standard international economic and trade rules, so as to create a testing ground for rule alignment within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This helps us better perform our roles as "super connector" and "super value-adder" in the high level opening up of the country. For the high quality co-operation under the Belt and Road Initiative, we will deepen our involvement, expand our global co-operation network, and tell good stories of China. These efforts will translate into Hong Kong's greater contributions to the country in building a new development paradigm of dual circulation", deepening its further reform and opening up.

Major Indicators

Description

Base Year (2025 unless otherwise specified)

2030

Average annual change / cumulative change

Nature

(1) Economy, innovation and infrastructure development

1. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth (%)

3.6

-

Within a reasonable range; annual targets to be proposed in light of prevailing conditions

Anticipatory

2. Growth of Labour Productivity Index (%)

2.3 (2024)

-

At a stable level

Anticipatory

3. Air cargo throughput (million tonnes)

5.07

-

Maintaining worldleading position

Anticipatory

4. Value of Hong Kong's total imports and exports of goods ($ billion)²

10,927.1

-

Steady growth alongside global economic expansion

Anticipatory

5. Value of Hong Kong's total imports and exports of services ($ billion)

1,626.8

-

Steady growth alongside global economic expansion

Anticipatory

6. Ratio of total domestic expenditure on innovation activities to GDP (%)³

1.63 (2024)

Strive to reach 3 after 2030

Around 10% increase in average annual expenditure

Anticipatory

7. Ratio of the value added of Manufacturing and New Industrialisation related Industries to GDP (%)

3.8 (2024)

Strive to reach 5.5 after 2030

Around 10% increase in average annual valueadded

Anticipatory

8. Global financial centre

Ranked 3rd globally

Strengthen its world-leading position

-

Anticipatory

9. International crossboundary wealth management centre

Ranked 1st globally

Strengthen its world-leading position

-

Anticipatory

10. Total number of companies in Hong Kong with parent companies located outside Hong Kong

11070

-

Average annual increase of 45%

Anticipatory

11. "Spadeready sites" available in the Northern Metropolis in five years (hectares)

120 (202122 to 202526)

900 (202627 to 203031)

Cumulative increase of 750%

Binding

12. Completion of domestic units in the Northern Metropolis in five years (units)

11000 (202122 to 202526)

70000 (202627 to 203031)

Cumulative increase of approximately 640%

Anticipatory

13. Number of nonlocal students enrolled in fulltime locallyaccredited postsecondary education programmes in Hong Kong (persons)

79800 (2024/25 academic year)

100000 (2029/30 academic year)

Cumulative increase of 25%

Anticipatory

14. Value added of the tourism industry ($ billion)

86.2 (2024)

126 (2030)

Cumulative increase of approximately 4050%

Anticipatory

(2) Livelihood

15. Median monthly employment earnings of employed persons (excluding foreign domestic helpers) ($)

22,200

-

In line with the trend of economic growth

Anticipatory

16. Risk of premature mortality from four major noncommunicable diseases (%)

7.3 (2024)

6.9

-

Anticipatory

17. Ratio of doctors per 1000 population (persons)

2.25

2.43

-

Anticipatory

18. Per capita public current health expenditure ($)

18,000 (202425)

-

On an upward trend

Anticipatory

(3) Environmental protection

19. Reduction in carbon emission per unit of GDP (i.e. carbon intensity) against the 2020 level (%)

12.3 (2024)

-

32.5 (Cumulative % reduction in 2030 against the 2024 level)

Binding

20. Share of zerocarbon energy in the fuel mix of electricity generation (%)

25 (2024)

30

-

Binding

21. Average concentration of PM2.5 in the ambient air (μg/m3)

15

<14

-

Binding

22. Overall compliance rate of Hong Kong's surface water quality objectives (%)

> 88

> 90

-

Binding

¹ The crux of government administration lies in policy formulation and allocation of public resources; that the government proactively organises social forces and spells out the directions of development; and the people oriented approach, which takes long term development into account and does not simply pursue profits through market mechanisms.

²In Hong Kong Dollars unless otherwise specified.

³ With reference to international guidelines and statistical mehodologies adopted by other economies, Total Domestic Expenditure on Innovation Activities covers the domestic expenditure on research and development (R&D), which includes basic and applied research, and expenditure on enterprises' application development and other related innovation activities (such as product design, software development, process validation, pilot testing, product testing, and applications for intellectual property registration, etc.). The Government also maintains statistical tracking of the Gross Domestic Expenditure on R&D (solely covers R&D)toGDP ratio, which stood at 1.13% for 2024.

It refers to the unconditional probability of dying between ages of 30 and 70 from four major non-communicable diseases, namely cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, or chronic respiratory diseases.

Chief Executive, Mr. John Lee unveils the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) on September 16. Photo by Bastille Post

Full text of "The Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address" (1)

Chapter I Formulate the First Five-Year Plan and Start a New Chapter for Hong Kong

(A) Four-Year Review

1. The current-term Government has been in office for four years. During those four years, Hong Kong's economy has gone from negative growth of minus 3.7% to positive growth of 3.6% last year. For the first half of 2026, the economy even grew 5.1% year-on-year, marking the strongest half-year performance in almost five years. Total exports of goods also grew by over 26% year on year. Our Gross Domestic Product surpassed $3.3 trillion in 2025. The numbers of registered local and non-local companies both hit record highs, and the total amount of funds raised through initial public offerings (IPOs) is ranked among the world's top. Median monthly employment earnings among citizens have risen by a cumulative 20% over the past four years. Our achievements have won recognition around the world. We are consistently ranked as the world's freest economy. We have become the largest cross-boundary wealth management centre globally, and reclaimed our position as the world's third-largest international financial centre. Our world competitiveness ranking has climbed to second place, while we have jumped 10 places to rank fourth globally in talent competitiveness. We have been ranked third in education competitiveness, with five of our universities among the world's top 100.

2. Over the past four years, the Government has worked to resolve many deep-seated and long-standing problems, including regulating ride-hailing services by legislation to fill the legal vacuum that has existed for years; rationalising traffic flow among the three harbour crossings to relieve the chronic cross-harbour traffic congestion; enacting the Basic Housing Units Ordinance to eradicate substandard subdivided units (SDUs) in residential buildings in an orderly manner; launching Light Public Housing (LPH); shortening the Composite Waiting Time for Subsidised Rental Housing (CWT) by 1.3 years, from 6.1 years to 4.8 years, setting the lowest level in over eight years for two consecutive quarters; and combating the abuse of public rental housing (PRH) with over 10 000 units recovered, equivalent to two large public housing estates, enabling people to move into their flats sooner.

3. We have fully implemented the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and strengthened interactive exchanges between the Executive and the Legislature. We have improved governance at the district level, set up District Services & Community Care Teams (Care Teams) and visited more than 600 000 elderly households and households in need to enhance district support services.

4. We have introduced reforms to the approval system for drugs and medical devices, by establishing "primary evaluation" and preparing for the establishment of the Centre for Medical Products Regulation, enabling people to gain earlier access to more advanced treatment. We have also advanced primary healthcare development and strengthened chronic disease management, so that the public can benefit from early prevention and early treatment. In addition, we have introduced a reward scheme for the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme, allowing shared use of vouchers between spouses, and extending its application coverage to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Furthermore, we have also improved manpower for public healthcare, brought in talent and started the preparation for establishment of the third medical school. The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) also commenced services.

5. We have abolished the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) offsetting arrangement; changed the Statutory Minimum Wage review frequency from biennial to annual; and improved the threshold under the continuous contract requirement from what has been commonly referred to as the "418" requirement to the "468" requirement. This enables more workers to receive greater protection.

6. The National Games was co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao for the first time and with great success. Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), following its grand opening, has quickly become one of the most popular sports and entertainment venues in the world. This has enhanced Hong Kong's capability and attractiveness in hosting large-scale sports events, concerts and other activities, boosting our mega-event economy.

7. Embracing a result-oriented approach, I transformed government culture, establishing a government-wide mobilisation mechanism. It has been activated in the aftermath of extreme weather and for large-scale drills, raising the Government's overall preparedness and emergency response capabilities.

8. The Government has brought violence to an end and restored social order and is handling key cases concerning offences endangering national security in accordance with the law. The Government has also completed local legislation for Article 23 of the Basic Law, gloriously fulfilling its constitutional responsibility, which took more than 26 years to accomplish, and establishing a comprehensive and effective shield for safeguarding national security. Hong Kong has further strengthened national security, maintaining the city's prosperity and stability, and creating a more stable and predictable environment for business and development.

(B) Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan

9. By formulating successive national Five-Year Plans, our country has thrived through sustained endeavour, and enhanced social development and livelihoods in each of its five-year periods, realising significant achievements that are impressive at a global level.

10. This year marks the opening year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has formulated our first Five-Year Plan (the Five-Year Plan) to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, seizing opportunities for development while better integrating into and serving the overall national development. In the thick of accelerating global changes not seen in a century, the vibrant momentum driven by our country's robust strength, enormous market and high-quality development presents Hong Kong with boundless opportunities. We will better develop our economy and boost social well-being, starting a bright new chapter for Hong Kong.

11. The Five-Year Plan is a forward-looking, strategic, and directional guiding document for Hong Kong, a blueprint for the city's economic and social development over the next five years. The Policy Address, meanwhile, is an annual report on the implementation of the Five-Year Plan, together with the Chief Executive's policy priorities for the year having regard to actual circumstances. The two documents are interconnected and inextricably related.

12. The Five-Year Plan is the blueprint for economic and social development. The Policy Address seeks to realise the blueprint by adjusting policy agenda and formulating work indicators annually, in response to the global environment as well as economic outlook and dynamics. It also sets out details of the key policy priorities, major works and infrastructure projects for the year.

13. Over the coming year, as we move ahead with the implementation of the Five-Year Plan, the Government will focus on the key policies and major projects set out in the Policy Address. Through the allocation of resources in the Budget and a cross-departmental co-ordination mechanism, we will regularly review progress and ensure the orderly implementation of objectives.

Chapter II Fully, Faithfully and Resolutely Implement the "one country, two systems" Principle

(A) Fully and Faithfully Implement

"One Country, Two Systems"

14. "One country, two systems" is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, and we must stay committed to the cause. With a resolute commitment, we will continue to fully and faithfully implement the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy. Practical experience has proven that by upholding the principle of "one country" and leveraging the advantages of "two systems", Hong Kong is able to make better use of its strengths and seize the opportunities presented by our country's development, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems".

(B) Safeguard National Security

15. The fundamental premise of the "one country, two systems" principle is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. In the face of intricate risks and complex challenges amid the accelerating changes not seen in a century, we must establish a bottom-line mindset to mitigate risks and hidden threats. Safeguarding national security is a never-ending process and a continuing mission of the HKSAR.

16. The successive implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance has provided better protection for the security of our country and Hong Kong. We will continue to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, upholding the unity of the Central Government's fundamental responsibility and the HKSAR's constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security.

17. We will follow a holistic approach to development and security. Security must never be overlooked in promoting development. High-quality development must be safeguarded by high-level security; in turn high-level security must be underpinned by high-quality development.

18. Our implementation of measures safeguarding national security has brought a sense of stability, certainty and predictability to the market. Hong Kong is a "safe harbour", and a "safe harbour" is a "harbour for development". Security has become a clear advantage for Hong Kong's development.

19. To respect and abide by the national security laws is not only a responsibility, but also an obligation of each and every one of us. The HKSAR Government will continue to reinforce promotional and educational efforts in respect of national security. The National Security Exhibition Gallery, the first physical national security education base in Hong Kong, has attracted over 1.9 million visitors since its launch in August 2024. The Government will expand the gallery and enrich its contents to promote the concept that "security brings prosperity".

(C) Uphold and Enhance the Executive-Led System

20. The HKSAR Government will uphold its executive-led system and assume its main responsibility. It performs the roles and functions of a co-ordinator, facilitator and enabler, and enhances its working mechanism for advancing various areas of work through pragmatic and effective measures. These measures maintain social stability, support high-quality economic development, and enhance people's well-being.

21. Under the principle of executive-led governance, the executive authorities and the legislature check and balance and co-operate with each other. Both focus on jointly addressing social issues, developing the economy and improving people's livelihood.

(D) Implement the Principle of "Patriots Administering Hong Kong"

22. Since the improvement of the HKSAR's electoral system in 2021 and district governance system in 2023, the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" has been fully implemented, providing solid institutional safeguards for the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems".

23. The HKSAR will devote its efforts to preparing for the Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections to be held on November 22 this year, as well as the Chief Executive Election and the District Council Ordinary Election next year. We will ensure that these elections are conducted in a fair, just, honest, safe and orderly manner.

24. We will strengthen patriotic forces with affection for the country and our city, placing particular emphasis on nurturing young people and uniting patriots from all sectors in the community. By establishing communication platforms, we will create a more extensive network of patriotic groups, working in unison to resolve challenges.

(E) Promote Patriotic Education

Strengthen Affection for and Sense of Belonging to the Country

25. We will align with the strategic initiative of "fostering virtue through education in the new era" under the 15th Five-Year Plan, as well as enhancing students' sense of national identity and building their cultural confidence. To that end, we will extend the promotion of activities for the Constitution and Basic Law Student Ambassadors Training Scheme to all publicly-funded primary and secondary schools. We will also launch a new national security education online platform to tie in with the updated Curriculum Framework of National Security Education in Hong Kong, and provide more learning and teaching resources as well as teacher training courses on national geography.

26. We will deepen patriotic education for young people by making good use of the Mainland's resources to deliver multi-faceted and content-rich exchange and internship activities as well as designating annual themes, such as the country's aerospace achievements and the supply of Dongjiang water to Hong Kong. This will enable young people to witness first-hand the country's development and achievements, deepening their understanding of the nation's history and culture as well as its enduring bond and kinship with Hong Kong.

Promote Hometown Culture

27. Since the launch of the Clansmen Culture Promotion Scheme in 2024, annual funding of $10 million has been provided to subsidise the organisation of activities in promoting hometown culture. The Scheme has so far funded over 100 such activities of clansmen associations. Starting from the 2027-28 financial year, the Government will continue to earmark funding of $10 million annually to support clansmen associations in organising more activities, with particular emphasis on deepening young people's understanding of and sense of belonging to their hometowns.

Enrich Patriotic Education Resources

28. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March. Yan'an is a sacred place of the Chinese revolution and the cradle of New China. With the support of the Central Government, we will list the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall in Shaanxi Province as the second patriotic education base for the youth of the HKSAR in the Mainland, and encourage students and young people to visit the place for study. We will continue to communicate with relevant Mainland departments on the inclusion of more patriotic education facilities to enrich Hong Kong's patriotic education resources.

Establish a Museum to Showcase the Development and Achievements of Our Country

29. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is collaborating with relevant national museums, including the National Museum of China and the Museum of the Communist Party of China, to take forward the preparatory work for the establishment of a museum in Kwu Tung North. The museum will focus on the development and achievements of our country, showcasing our country's rapid progress and remarkable achievements in such areas as technology, sports and culture. It will also highlight Hong Kong's role in national development and the unique advantages of "one country, two systems".

Promote Chinese Culture

30. The Chinese Culture Promotion Office has since its establishment in April 2024 organised various well-received exhibitions, with the Chinese Culture Festival and the General History of China Exhibition Series curated as annual flagship brands. The Chinese Culture Festival will continue to feature high-quality projects, showcasing profound traditional Chinese culture to tell the good stories of China to the world.

Source: AI-found images