Hong Kong launches the first Five-Year Strategic Plan for 2026-2030 in a special blueprint of 60,000 characters
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, John Lee has unveiled the first Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development
Hong Kong’s five-year development strategy (2026-2030) was officially launched at the Region’s Legislative Council.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said it would clarify Hong Kong’s development direction, improve resource allocation, stabilize social expectations and better protect residents’ welfare and global investors’ interests, making the city more open, inclusive, free, prosperous and safe.
“We will make the Hong Kong SAR a bridge and gateway between our country and the rest of the world as well as a more attractive, vibrant and opportunity-rich world city,” he pointed out.
John Lee also identified seven underlying principles of the city’s first five-year plan.
These include adhering to the “one country, two systems” principle; remaining committed to a livelihood-oriented approach; upholding an executive-led system; embracing reform and innovation; upholding the two-pronged approach of “effective market” and “capable government”; adopting a holistic approach to development and security; and pragmatic and proactive planning.
It is a blueprint comprising 60,000 characters, structured into seven parts and 28 chapters, sets 105 indicators across economic development, the Northern Metropolis and livelihood improvement.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s first-ever five-year plan sets out a total of 105 indicators, covering areas of economic development, housing, global competitiveness and people’s livelihoods, to align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).
Anchored in the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, the plan prioritizes consolidating the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’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.
It is imperative to devise a medium- to long-term strategy for Hong Kong’s development.
The document is spelling out the directions of development, mission targets, strategic priorities as well as implementation roadmaps, supported by operable and effective policy measures and major projects that feature Hong Kong’s unique character.
Besides maintaining its position as the world’s freest economy, Hong Kong has risen to top spot in cross boundary wealth management worldwide and is ranked second in world competitiveness.
The city is ranked third among international financial centres and has come in fourth position in talent competitiveness.
Hong Kong is maintaining its fourth place as an international maritime centre. The city has advanced to fifth in merchandise trade.