What to expect from 2026 Policy Address, from Northern Metropolis to new baby bonuses
Hong Kong can expect leader John Lee to announce policies ranging from childbirth incentives to the Northern Metropolis development in his administration’s final Policy Address and the city’s first Five-Year Plan, reports have indicated. At a Tuesday press conference ahead of a meeting with his Executive Council, chief executive Lee said that people could expect […]
Hong Kong anticipates a policy address from Chief Executive John Lee for 2026, encompassing a range of initiatives from baby bonuses to the Northern Metropolis development. The final Policy Address and the city's inaugural Five-Year Plan are expected to be unveiled in a lengthy speech lasting two to three hours, according to Lee.
The leader emphasized that the five-year plan does not advocate for a planned economy, stating it serves as a strategic direction and priority areas guide for the government. Lee affirmed the government's commitment to coordinating resources and implementing policies, adhering to Hong Kong's capitalist system. The Northern Metropolis project, a sprawling development spanning 30,000 hectares of rural land near the mainland border, is set to be a key focus.
Reports suggest an expansion of the planned university town within the Northern Metropolis, with the combined areas of designated plots potentially doubling. Lee also expects an increase in the government's loan quota of HK$10 billion allocated for university campus developments. Additionally, there are indications of a renewed baby bonus scheme to address the city's ageing population and declining fertility rates.
Written by urgent.news from Hong Kong Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
