July 1: Leader John Lee to prioritise Northern Metropolis and 5-year plan, as fallen firefighter among honourees

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has declared that the development of the Northern Metropolis tech hub and the city's inaugural five-year plan will be his top priorities. Speaking on the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China, Lee described the five-year blueprint as a "strategic, forward-looking and directional guiding document" designed to align with "overall national development."

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strategic, forward-looking and directional guiding document

The plan, which will guide his final Policy Address of his current term, aims to establish policy targets and measures. Lee stated it will cover a wide range of areas concerning people's livelihood and well-being, including the economy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and housing. Key objectives include strengthening Hong Kong's position as an international hub for finance, shipping, trade, and technology, while also promoting its role as an aviation and offshore RMB hub.

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As an important vehicle for pursuing the vision of ‘people-oriented’ governance, it covers a wide range of areas concerning people’s livelihood and wellbeing, including the economy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing and so on.

Lee announced the government will "fast-track" the development of the Northern Metropolis, a tech hub situated near the border with mainland China. This initiative envisions integrating industries, technology, and a university town, creating an environment conducive to living, working, and traveling. The project has progressed from its initial blueprint phase to a more mature stage, particularly after the completion of the Hong Kong section of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone last year.

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fast-track

Furthermore, the government is committed to enhancing public well-being, with a focus on housing, transport, healthcare, and education. Lee highlighted the formulation of the Basic Housing Units Ordinance, intended to address substandard housing conditions. He also noted that the queueing time for public rental flats has decreased to an average of 4.7 years, partly due to the introduction of temporary Light Public Housing flats and the recovery of approximately 10,000 units through a crackdown on tenancy abuse.

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from the blueprint phase to maturity