HK aims for economic breakthrough, NM boost: blueprint

Hong Kong has unveiled its first five-year plan, which aims to bring significant economic advancements and bolster the city's role as a global hub. The blueprint released on Wednesday outlined the city's strategy to consolidate and strengthen its position as an international financial, maritime, and trade center, while simultaneously progressing towards becoming a leading innovation and technology center and a hub for high-caliber talent.

Chief Executive John Lee emphasized the importance of leveraging Hong Kong's strengths while accelerating the development of new productive forces to ensure long-term prosperity and stability.

The plan emphasizes the need to enhance Hong Kong's status as a global financial, maritime, and trade hub, while simultaneously fostering an innovation ecosystem by integrating industry, academia, and research. Additionally, the city aims to become a prominent international innovation and technology center and a global hub for high-caliber talent.

The blueprint also highlights the importance of advancing the development of the 'four centers and one hub' to sustain economic growth and improve the quality of life for citizens.

Furthermore, the plan outlines Hong Kong's commitment to strengthening its position as a global offshore renminbi hub and further developing financial innovations. It also focuses on expanding the city's global competitiveness and influence while promoting the integrated development of education, technology, and talent in the Northern Metropolis. To achieve this, Hong Kong will adopt the smart city concept in the planning of transport, housing, greening, and other public facilities.

The five-year plan also stresses Hong Kong's dedication to improving people's livelihoods by enhancing public services in various sectors, including healthcare, education, housing, and elderly care. Moreover, the city pledges to actively participate in the implementation of major national strategies and contribute to the development of the Greater Bay Area.