Development and livelihood are the top priorities in the five-year plan for economic and social development (2026-2030) of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said John Lee, HKSAR Chief Executive, in an interview with China Media Group.
The HKSAR on Wednesday unveiled its five-year plan, a blueprint charting a clear course for the region's development.
Lee said that the HKSAR's plan, aligned with the national five-year plan, seeks to turn the country's strategic opportunities into drivers of the region's development, and that he would seize the opportunity as soon as possible.
"The 15th five-year plan was published early this year. I want to waste no time to ensure that we take good opportunity of aligning our development with our country's 15th five-year plan. Because I think China, as the world knows, is the engine for growth. And also, it is the country of certainty for development. So, I want to grasp the opportunities as soon as possible, so that Hong Kong will benefit from it. And at the same time, we can contribute, more importantly, is to develop our economy so that we can serve better the interests of the community, raising their livelihood," said Lee.
"If you look at the five-year plan, there you can see two chapters contain most of the contents. One is about development; one is about livelihood. That's basically the focus of the five-year plan. And the reason is, as I have always been telling the public, sincerely and honestly, that the government's job is to make everybody have a better life," he said.
The chief executive vowed to do his best in a continuous effort to achieve the goal he promised.
"How best the system is depends on how best people run it. I think it's very true. So, we must implement the five-year plan very well to ensure that what the five-year plan designs for Hong Kong. We achieve 100 percent mark and, if possible, plus marks while we achieve the target," he said.
Hong Kong’s five-year plan comprises seven parts and 28 chapters, setting out 105 indicators spanning a wide range of areas, including economic development, housing, global competitiveness and people's livelihoods. Key objectives include achieving new breakthroughs in economic development, boosting international competitiveness and influence, and significantly improving public well-being.
To sharpen its competitive edge, Hong Kong plans to consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial, maritime and trade center, and develop itself into an international innovation and technology center and a global hub for high-caliber talent. The plan also directs efforts to expedite the development of the Northern Metropolis and deepen the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
On livelihoods, Hong Kong will supply 196,000 public flats over the next five years, aiming to cut the average waiting time to under four years by 2030-31. The government also pledged to eliminate substandard subdivided units by 2030 and step up its focus on young people's education, employment, entrepreneurship and home ownership.
HKSAR chief executive highlights development, livelihoods as top priorities in five-year plan
