{
  "id": 649804,
  "title": "'Dedicated teams should be set up for NM projects'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/dedicated-teams-should-be-set-up-for-nm-projects",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-12T09:25:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTHK English",
    "slug": "rthk-english",
    "url": "https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1865905-20260812.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Business and Professionals Alliance (BPA) has proposed the establishment of dedicated teams to expedite the development of the Northern Metropolis, according to a statement made on Wednesday. This recommendation is part of a broader set of ideas put forth by the BPA, which encompasses infrastructure, innovation, technology, economic development, and the SAR's role as an international finance and aviation hub.\n\nTo streamline the approval process and significantly reduce the time needed for project completion, the BPA suggests that these teams should be composed of experts from relevant departments such as education, planning, and commerce. By working together at a single site, these dedicated teams could accelerate project approval from months to just days, as suggested by BPA member and lawmaker Priscilla Leung.\n\nLeung cited examples from fast-developing mainland cities like Beijing and Hefei, which have implemented dedicated teams for specific projects, bypassing the need for multiple departments to oversee them. When a project is deemed exceptional and requires rapid approval, these teams work together to ensure it is approved promptly.\n\nLeung emphasized the importance of all personnel involved, including officials, signing a task commitment statement to enhance discipline and awareness of the project's significance. She described the task of developing the Northern Metropolis as a monumental responsibility, a pivotal mission, and a unique opportunity for Hong Kong to advance into its second era.\n\nTo strengthen the drive, Leung proposed rewarding outstanding performers in the dedicated teams. Regarding the university town, she suggested allowing transfers of personnel between local, mainland, and overseas institutions, as the SAR might face a shortage of professors in certain fields.\n\nThe two-month public consultation on the BPA's proposals will conclude on Friday.",
  "summary": "The Business and Professionals Alliance (BPA) on Wednesday proposed that dedicated teams could be established to expedite the development of the Northern Metropolis. The suggestion was among a number of ideas it put forward, covering a wide range of areas such as infrastructure, innovation and technology, economic development, as well as the SAR's status as an international finance and aviation…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}