The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government on Wednesday unveiled its first five-year plan for economic and social development, covering the period from 2026 to 2030.
Chief Executive John Lee said the blueprint is designed to build a more open, inclusive, prosperous and safer Hong Kong while improving social well-being and strengthening the city’s economic competitiveness.
Unveiling the plan, Lee described the 2026-2030 period as five crucial years for Hong Kong to seize strategic opportunities, accelerate its transition from stability to prosperity, enhance social well-being and build a better home for its people.
“These are five promising years for us to integrate into and serve the overall national development,” Lee said.
According to Lee, the blueprint will provide clear development directions, optimize resource allocation, stabilize social expectations and better protect social well-being and the interests of global investors.
He noted that 2026 marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period, covering 2026 to 2030. He said Hong Kong’s first five-year blueprint represents a major initiative by the HKSAR Government to strengthen the executive-led system and improve governance effectiveness.
Lee said the plan demonstrates Hong Kong’s need to proactively align with national development strategies and further integrate into and contribute to China’s overall development.
He added that the five-year period presents strategic opportunities for Hong Kong to embrace modern trends, consolidate and enhance its competitive advantages, develop new growth drivers and achieve high-quality economic and social development.
Under the plan, Hong Kong will strengthen its four traditional international centres — finance, maritime, trade and innovation and technology — while developing into a global hub for high-calibre talent.
Lee said consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international financial, maritime and trade centre, while developing its status as an international innovation and technology centre and global talent hub, will help sharpen the city’s competitive edge.
On financial services, Lee said Hong Kong must maintain its international positioning by leveraging its open financial markets to attract global capital, talent and financial institutions.
He said Hong Kong would pursue growth through stability and reinforce stability through growth, supported by resilient foundations, stable structures, strong capabilities and manageable risks.
The initiatives include making greater use of finance to support the real economy, strengthening secure and efficient financial infrastructure and developing a more diverse capital market.
Hong Kong will also seek to strengthen its position as an international aviation hub by launching new routes, attracting local and overseas airlines to develop new destinations, increasing flight frequencies and expanding its long-haul network.
Lee said particular attention would be given to strengthening air connections with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.
On talent development, Lee said Hong Kong would promote the integrated development of education, technology and talent.
He said the government would leverage Hong Kong’s existing strengths, improve mechanisms for coordinating and implementing development strategies, and adopt a targeted approach to attracting the talent needed for the development of both Hong Kong and the country.