Full text of the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address (7)
Chapter VI Better Integrate into and Serve the Overall National Development
224. This year marks the opening year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, and Hong Kong has announced its first Five-Year Plan to proactively align with the overall national development. The Government will continue its efforts in fostering synergistic development of the GBA. We will strengthen co-operation in technological innovation, promote "hard connectivity" in infrastructure, foster "soft connectivity" by deepening the alignment of rules and mechanisms, and achieve "connectivity of hearts" among residents of the three places. At the same time, we will speed up development of major co-operation platforms, deepen regional collaboration with the Mainland, promote complementarity among industries and mobility of innovation factors, while strengthening cultural, youth and professional exchanges. We will deepen international exchanges and co-operation, actively participating in the affairs of international organisations to promote Chinese standards and the B&R Initiative.
(A) Deepen the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
Support the High-quality Development of Major Co-operation Platforms in Qianhai and Nansha
225. The Government will support the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co-operation Zone to achieve early pilot implementation. Through key projects already in place, Hong Kong's modern service industry will establish a foothold in Qianhai to tap into Mainland markets. The projects include the Qualified Foreign Limited Partnerships (QFLP) mechanism; pilot projects adopting Hong Kong's construction systems; the Qianhai Shenzhen Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub; the Qianhai Mercantile Exchange; and a safe and convenient Shenzhen Hong Kong cross-boundary data channel as well as cross-boundary infrastructure initiatives such as the Hong Kong Shenzhen Western Rail Link.
226. The HKEX Technology (Shenzhen) Limited, established in Qianhai for years, has grown into one of the largest Hong Kong technology companies in Qianhai, with a talent pool of over 300 international fintech professionals. The company provides fintech support for the HKEX and its subsidiaries LME and Qianhai Mercantile Exchange, while serving as a crucial link aligning Mainland trading platforms with international fintech standards.
227. We will deepen Qianhai's position as a liaison point, strengthening connections between Hong Kong's legal and other professional services and go global enterprises in the GBA, so as to leverage Hong Kong's professional services strengths to help enterprises "go global".
228. The Government will support Nansha in its role as a high-standard gateway for opening up. This includes encouraging the trade to participate in Nansha's infrastructure development and mutually beneficial supply chain co-operation; encouraging start-ups with advanced technologies to establish their presence in Nansha via the HKIC; building a green finance centre in the GBA with Nansha as a national pilot area for climate investment and financing. We will also engage shipping operators and higher education and research institutions in areas such as resource sharing, to foster a two way flow of talent and innovative resources.
229. To promote the co-ordinated development of rail transit in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, we are pressing ahead with the Northern Link Project and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai), with target commissioning in 2034 and 2035 respectively, to fully connect the rail transit networks of Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
Advance the Development of Dongguan Logistics Park
230. HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park's Phase 1 facilities will officially begin operation next June, and the cargo-handling capacity will gradually reach one million tonnes a year.
231. To develop a cold chain hub, the Park established a designated supervision area this year for the import of overseas chilled aquatic products and fresh fruits to the GBA via Hong Kong, establishing a more efficient and convenient international cold-chain, air-cargo passage.
Jointly Develop a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Value Chain
232. To meet the country's "dual carbon" targets and fulfil Hong Kong's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality before 2050, we steered the establishment of a production base for SAF in Dongguan, leveraging the leading position of Hong Kong enterprises in the international SAF industry. By combining technology strengths with industrial foundation, Hong Kong and Guangdong will jointly develop a globally influential green industry.
233. The Government will take forward the construction of an SAF blending facility in Hong Kong to build an end-to-end SAF value chain and reduce logistics costs to make SAF prices more competitive. To achieve an SAF consumption ratio of 1% to 3% for flights departing from HKIA in 2030, as set out in Hong Kong's first Five-Year Plan, the Government will study the establishment of a mechanism for mandatory SAF consumption ratio, and launch publicity and education campaigns by 2028, to create favourable conditions for attaining the consumption ratio.
234. The HKEX's Core Climate is progressively exploring the possibility of offering green energy and other environmental equity products, including SAF Certificates and green hydrogen certificates, to the market. It will also look into appropriate options with industry stakeholders to better meet the needs of companies in respect of carbon emission reduction.
Participate in the Development of the Greater Bay Area Port Cluster
235. We will capitalise on the vast GBA market to expand high-value added maritime services such as marine insurance, maritime law (particularly contract formation and governance), arbitration, ship management and maritime financing. That will enhance Hong Kong's pricing, rule-making and institutional discourse power in the international maritime service chain, empowering a world-class GBA port cluster.
236. Hong Kong Port can function as an international logistics and transhipment hub to achieve mutual benefits and the creation of value among GBA cities and ports. We will strengthen port collaboration with Huizhou, Dongguan and other GBA cities, facilitating the transit from rivers to seas in the GBA. We will also improve our feeder network and explore the application of smart feeders to improve transportation efficiency and reduce costs. This will encourage the export of GBA cargo through Hong Kong and the convergence of Central and South American shipping routes in Hong Kong.
Foster Financial Development in the Greater Bay Area
237. Hong Kong will continue to capitalise on institutional innovation, financial infrastructure upgrading and enhanced regulatory alignment to encourage the orderly flow of financial elements among GBA cities:
(i) The HKEX's Core Climate, in collaboration with the Guangzhou Power Exchange Centre, is working towards the pilot trading of national renewable-energy, green electricity certificates (GECs) in Hong Kong in 2026. It encourages the use of such GECs by Hong Kong institutions as a compliant tool to offset electricity-related carbon emissions, supporting the country in expanding GEC applications outside the Mainland.
(ii) Discussions with the relevant Mainland authorities on enhancements to the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Scheme in the GBA are ongoing.
(iii) Enhancements to cross-boundary credit referencing and Shenzhen-Hong Kong cross-boundary data-validation platforms, including their coverage and workflow, are being considered. We will develop a new cross-boundary data-validation platform with Chongqing to promote cross-boundary financing for enterprises and individuals with Chongqing.
Foster New Industrialisation Collaboration in the Greater Bay Area
238. Under the co-ordination of the MIIT, the Government will discuss action plans for promoting new industrialisation with Guangdong authorities. We will also sign, under the principle of "co-operation in R&D, collaborative transformation, and sharing of the benefits of development", an MoU with the Shenzhen Municipality, to promote the establishment of industrial innovation platforms and formulate mechanisms and models to achieve industry chain synergy for emerging and future industries.
Co-ordinate the Work of Bureaux for the Alignment of Rules and Mechanisms within the Greater Bay Area
239. We will set up a Task Force on Expediting the Alignment of Rules and Mechanisms in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, where the Deputy Secretary for Justice will co-ordinate with relevant bureaux to explore ways to advance the alignment of rules and mechanisms within the GBA.
Deepen the Construction of Rule of Law in the Greater Bay Area
240. The DoJ will explore pathways to promote the formulation of the GBA model arbitration rules to improve the competitiveness of arbitration services in the GBA. It will also support and complement Mainland authorities' implementation work of the regularisation of the GBA Lawyers' Scheme for GBA lawyers to leverage their unique strengths.
Develop a Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Industry Chain in the Greater Bay Area
241. By combining the respective strengths of Hong Kong in MiC and the production of module assemblies of electrical and mechanical installations in the GBA, the Government will publish a Cross-boundary Trading Guidebook on MiMEP in collaboration with relevant Mainland authorities in the first half of 2027. The guidebook will consolidate information, including requirements regarding customs and excise, tax and industry regulations, to facilitate cross-boundary business development and promote the development of related industry chains in the GBA.
Enhance Greater Bay Area Standards for Construction Talent
242. Through ongoing collaboration with Guangdong Province and Macao, the Government last year established GBA skill standards for painters and bricklayers, as well as the civil engineering works supervisors' technician position. The "One Examination, Multiple Certification" arrangement was implemented to foster co-operation among GBA construction-training institutions for training quality enhancement. The Government plans to publish another three GBA skill standards for the respective trades of skilled workers and technician positions, and implement the corresponding "One Examination, Multiple Certification" arrangement this year.
Strengthen Co-operation between Higher Education Institutions in Hong Kong and other Greater Bay Area Cities
243. The eight UGC funded universities of Hong Kong have all established industry-education-research bases, research institutes or scientific research laboratories in Shenzhen. Four of them have established campuses in the Mainland cities of the GBA. On the 10th anniversary of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance, the Government will continue to improve the mechanism for establishing alliances between higher education institutions in Hong Kong and the Mainland, deepening co-operation among member institutions in technological innovation and talent exchange.
(B) Deepen Regional Co-operation with the Mainland
Improve and Facilitate Hong Kong Residents' Development and Living in the Mainland
244. The Government continues to expand the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong to more Mainland cities of the GBA, providing more care home choices for Hong Kong's elderly persons.
245. The Government will make focused efforts to facilitate cross-boundary payments and safeguard people's livelihood:
(i) The HKMA will foster the linkage of the Faster Payment System with UnionPay (which, together with its partner payment networks, covers over 100 million merchants worldwide) to facilitate local and cross-boundary retail payments among users.
(ii) The HKMA will explore the feasibility of further expanding the user base of Payment Connect and developing more use cases to facilitate cross-boundary living, working and retirement for residents of both sides.
(iii) Since the third quarter, the HKMC Annuity Limited has allowed HKMC Annuity Plan policy holders to receive annuity income directly through designated Mainland bank accounts.
Facilitate Cross-boundary Transport Development
246. In light of the implementation situation, the governments of Guangdong and the HKSAR will improve the travel booking and renewal arrangements of "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles", and will steadily expand "Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles" to all Guangdong Province cities.
Enhance the Cross-boundary Service of Judicial Documents
247. The Government is implementing the new service arrangement signed with the Supreme People's Court to enhance the modes and efficiency for cross-boundary service of judicial documents between the Mainland and Hong Kong, resolving the challenges in effecting service under the existing arrangement for better protection of the rights and interests of parties in the two places.
Establish Medical Service Centres in accordance with National Standards
248. Following the establishment of the Chest Pain Centres and Stroke Centres after securing accreditation under national standards, the HA will further establish Integrated Cardiovascular Diseases Centres in accordance with national standards. This includes the setting up of a heart failure centre and a cardiac rehabilitation centre under the Hong Kong Island Cluster, as well as optimising the overall treatment processes and service network for patients suffering from general chest pain and other cardiovascular diseases. The centres will improve patients' consultation experience and enhance clinical treatment. They will also help promote national medical accreditation as an international standard.
Hydrogen Standards
249. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) has joined the National Standards expert groups to participate in the drafting of Guobiao (GB) standards for hydrogen. By aligning the standards of Hong Kong and the Mainland and promoting the co-ordinated development of hydrogen supply chains, technologies and safety standards, we will enable the application of GB standards in Hong Kong, showcasing our country's expertise in hydrogen to the international community.
250. The Government is developing a "Green Hydrogen Standard Certification Scheme" that aligns with international standards to certify the greenhouse gas emission performance of hydrogen products, connecting hydrogen projects with global green financing. The EMSD has begun the second phase of the study. Pilot projects in collaboration with major hydrogen enterprises will be launched in Hong Kong and the Mainland this year. The target is to implement a certification scheme recognised by the Mainland and the international community next year.
(C) Deepen International Co-operation and Exchanges
Build an International Exchange Platform
251. The Government will spare no effort in arranging and organising the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Finance Ministers' Meeting to be held in the HKSAR in October. We will continue to organise the Asian Financial Forum, the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit, Hong Kong Fintech Week, etc to establish Hong Kong as a global platform for high-quality financial dialogue.
252. The DEVB will again host the International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit in November, showcasing Hong Kong and the Mainland's advanced construction technologies. This will help competitive construction industry players in both places go global.
Attract More International Organisations to Establish a Presence in Hong Kong
253. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), following a comprehensive assessment of 173 member states and regions, chose to establish in Hong Kong its first centre of excellence on global advanced manufacturing in the Asia-Pacific region. It is expected to begin operation in the second quarter of next year, demonstrating Hong Kong's strengths in the field. With a focus on AI+ manufacturing, robotics, new energy and industrial design, the centre will promote technology exchange, alignment of standards and talent training between the Mainland and overseas counterparts. It will also seek to host influential global events attracting leading enterprises as well as higher education and scientific research institutions, developing Hong Kong into a global hub for resource exchange and integration in advanced manufacturing.
254. The Government will deepen its co-operation with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)² in raising Hong Kong's status as a maker of international financial rules and persuading more international financial institutions to establish their presence in Hong Kong.
255. With the support of the country, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has successfully pushed forward the establishment of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's GlobE Network Asia Pacific Regional Bureau in Hong Kong. This will consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international anti-corruption hub. Preparations are underway.
Establish the Hong Kong International Academy of Policing
256. The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) will establish the Hong Kong International Academy of Policing in November. Dedicated to organising international hallmark training programmes, police leadership forums and overseas outreach training programmes, the Academy will deepen international police exchanges, reinforcing the HKPF's brand as "Asia's Finest".
Establish a World Health Organization accredited Emergency Medical Team
257. The HHB is working with the HA and co-ordinating the efforts of the relevant government departments to establish an Emergency Medical Team, and plans to apply to the World Health Organization next year for accreditation. This will promote Hong Kong's participation in and contribution to major global emergency medical rescues.
Boost the Global Influence of the Innovation and Technology Sector
258. In support of the country's Global AI Governance Initiative, the Government will organise a large-scale international AI conference in Hong Kong to promote open source and openness as well as co-operation and sharing, and to foster synergistic development of AI innovation and applications.
259. The ITC has launched the Special Call on Academic Journals and will soon announce the vetting results to support local universities and professional organisations in publishing internationally influential academic journals. It will also encourage them to continue their efforts to host international academic and professional conferences, raising Hong Kong's international influence in the technology field.
Attract Asian and International Sports Associations to Establish a Presence in Hong Kong
260. To strengthen Hong Kong's influence in the international sports arena, a pilot scheme was launched earlier this year to provide financial support for local national sports associations (NSAs) to participate in the work of Asian and international sports associations, as well as to attract Asian and international sports associations to establish a presence in Hong Kong. To date, four associations have set up their headquarters or regional headquarters in Hong Kong².
Consolidate Hong Kong's Position as an Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Hub
261. Hong Kong is a broadcasting hub in the Asia-Pacific region. To promote the sustainable development of the local television broadcasting industry, the Government will review the Generic Codes of Practice for Television. We aim to ensure that regulation keeps pace with the times, and that diversified and quality programmes are broadcast, expanding the reach of the "Hong Kong Brand" to the Asia Pacific region.
(D) Pursue Co-operation under the Belt and Road Initiative
262. The HKSAR Government will continue to deepen international exchange and co-operation, and participate in high-quality co-operation under the B&R Initiative. With the "five areas of connectivity" as the focus of co-operation, the Government will promote diverse, comprehensive and pragmatic co-operation and support community organisations in broadening international exchange networks, to achieve extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits.
263. I led a high-level business delegation to the Middle East in May last year and another to Central Asia in June this year. Both were successful in tapping into the respective markets, and a number of projects have since materialised. We will continue to organise business delegations to visit potential B&R markets, seizing new opportunities for enterprises and the professional services sector.
264. The Belt and Road Office has reached out to B&R countries over the past year, building a database of infrastructure projects for Hong Kong companies looking to participate in such projects. We will step up promotion of the "Hong Kong–Overseas Projects Platform" to help Hong Kong companies participate in signature and "small and beautiful" projects in B&R regions, while promoting Hong Kong's services and standards.
265. We will also strengthen Hong Kong's B&R Capacity Building Platforms, by co-ordinating and promoting capacity-building programmes offered by public organisations and institutions in Hong Kong. We will continue to host the B&R Summit² and elevate it to serve as an important platform for economic and trade co-operation to realise more deliverables.
266. To align with the green and high-quality development of the B&R Initiative, the Government:
(i) Will launch the Green Technology Bridgehead Programme to bring together Mainland and overseas technology companies that use Hong Kong as a springboard for "going global" or "landing" in the Mainland. By showcasing green solutions and technology applications through EcoPark, and taking advantage of Hong Kong's legal, financial and environmental expertise, these companies can export green solutions to B&R countries.
(ii) Has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment to set up the B&R Green Development Co-operation platform. By connecting with the B&R Initiative International Green Development Coalition, it will facilitate technology exchange and co-operation along the B&R. The EPD has also set up a B&R sustainable green development training centre to provide high level training for personnel from the B&R countries.
(iii) Will organise the B&R Green Innovation Conference with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment for the first time in Hong Kong in October. About 260 officials and experts from the Mainland and B&R countries will explore green technological innovation and opportunities for collaboration.
267. The HKEX's Core Climate is expanding co-operation with Brazil, Malaysia and Kazakhstan, and encouraging the carbon markets of B&R countries/regions to make better use of Hong Kong s professional strengths in finance and standard setting to align themselves with the international carbon market. It is also working on a pilot implementation of cross-border carbon trading to generate successful cases.
268. The Government's B&R Scholarship attracts outstanding students from B&R countries to pursue their studies in Hong Kong. It has benefitted students from 57 countries as of the 2025/26 academic year. We will increase the annual quota of the scholarships to 200 places, starting from the 2027/28 academic year.
²ICC is the largest and the most iconic business organisation in the world, playing a leading role in the making of international trading and financial rules.
²The Asian Bowling Federation, Asian Squash Federation, International Shuttlecock Federation and International Dragon Boat Federation have set up headquarters in Hong Kong.
²The B&R Summit is a flagship event for Hong Kong's participation in and contribution to the B&R Initiative.
(To be continued.)
Source: AI-found images
