How the 5-year plan can serve the nation and deliver for Hong Kong

In the opening year of the 15th five-year plan, Hong Kong must integrate into national development for economic progress and enhanced well-being. In February, the Hong Kong government announced its first five-year plan, with the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs leading the compilation work. The plan was finalized in less than a year, despite the tight schedule and pressure faced by officials.

Hong Kong officials visited mainland cities to learn from their experiences. The government held over 100 public consultation sessions, gathering more than 17,000 submissions, with 80 percent from individuals. The public support for the plan is clear, with Hong Kong people wanting to maintain traditional advantages in finance, trade, and maritime centers, while developing emerging industries and an international innovation hub.

The plan aims to safeguard Hong Kong's rule of law, capitalist system, and status as an international city, while ensuring the free flow of capital, people, goods, and information. The five-year plan and annual policy addresses will work together to implement the long-term blueprint for Hong Kong's development, with the annual policy addresses adapting to changing circumstances and economic dynamics.

The government is encouraged and confident in the result, looking forward to the comments of the Hong Kong people.