The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has officially launched its first Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development, covering 2026-2030. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu unveiled the plan at the Region's Legislative Council, stating it would clarify Hong Kong's development direction, improve resource allocation, and better protect residents' welfare and global investors' interests.
The five-year development strategy is a special blueprint comprising 60,000 characters, structured into seven parts and 28 chapters, setting 105 indicators across economic development, the Northern Metropolis, and livelihood improvement. These indicators align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) and cover areas such as economic development, housing, global competitiveness, and people's livelihoods.
Seven underlying principles guide the city's first five-year plan, including adhering to the "one country, two systems" principle, upholding an executive-led system, and embracing reform and innovation. The plan also prioritizes consolidating Hong Kong's status as an international financial, maritime, and trade centre, while accelerating its development into an innovation and technology hub and a global talent magnet.
Central to the development plan is expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis as a new engine for growth and deepening Greater Bay Area integration. This inaugural planning document signals the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's transition toward a more proactive governance model, positioning the city to better integrate into and serve overall national development.
The plan aims to make Hong Kong a bridge and gateway between China and the rest of the world, as well as a more attractive, vibrant, and opportunity-rich world city. Hong Kong has maintained its position as the world's freest economy and risen to top spot in cross-boundary wealth management worldwide, ranking second in world competitiveness and third among international financial centres.
The Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development sets out to devise a medium- to long-term strategy for Hong Kong's development, spelling out directions, mission targets, strategic priorities, and implementation roadmaps. The document is supported by operable and effective policy measures and major projects that feature Hong Kong's unique character.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's first-ever five-year plan has been designed to ensure the city's continued growth and development, with a focus on improving livelihoods, enhancing global competitiveness, and maintaining its status as a world-class financial and trade centre. The plan will serve as a guiding document for Hong Kong's development over the next five years.
Key points
- The plan sets 105 indicators across economic development, the Northern Metropolis, and livelihood improvement.
- Hong Kong aims to consolidate its status as an international financial, maritime, and trade centre.
- The plan prioritizes expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis as a new engine for growth.
