Historic moment for Hong Kong as John Lee set to deliver city’s first ever 5-year plan

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee Ka-chiu, is set to introduce the city's inaugural five-year plan at the legislature on Wednesday, followed by his final annual policy address. This eagerly awaited plan, which has undergone a two-month public consultation, seeks to harmonize Hong Kong's priorities with the national development blueprint for 2026-30.

In a Monday op-ed, Lee emphasized that the blueprint will consist of both mandatory and forward-looking targets for the city, while stressing that the long-term plan will not steer Hong Kong towards adopting a planned economy.

The five-year plan will outline the city's long-term development blueprint and strategic direction, carrying "far-reaching significance", while the policy address will continue to function as an annual report detailing how the government will implement the plan in a given year. This year's policy address will also mark the last such speech by Lee during his current term.

Readers can follow the South China Morning Post's live blog for the most recent updates on the two documents that will shape Hong Kong's economic and social development over the upcoming five years.