HK's upgraded role shows nation's recognition: CE

Chief Executive John Lee has said Hong Kong role in the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan has been “upgraded” – in what he says is an encouraging development that demonstrates the country’s recognition of the SAR’s potential.

While the previous Five-Year Plan had directed Hong Kong to better integrate into the country’s overall development, the latest development blueprint adopted in March 2026 says the SAR should also “serve” national development and gives explicit support for the territory to expedite the development of the Northern Metropolis.

In an interview for a new RTHK TV programme produced jointly with the Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group, Lee said this demonstrates the nation’s affirmation of Hong Kong’s contributions.

“This is definitely a positive change, and I find it very encouraging,” Lee told Vision 15: Hong Kong’s Chapter.

“It shows that the country recognises Hong Kong’s effort in many areas, and that the city can bring value and make contributions to the nation’s high-quality development. This kind of contribution is service – this is a form of recognition.”

Lee added that Hong Kong must shift from focusing on its own narrow concerns, to adopt a broader, national perspective while considering the global landscape.

The CE also said that Hong Kong residents would benefit from the territory’s expanded role under the 15th Five-Year Plan.

“One example is elderly care. Retiring in the Greater Bay Area becoming a more convenient and acceptable option,” he said.

“Also, youth development is no longer confined to the 1,100 square kilometres of Hong Kong – young people can pursue opportunities on the mainland or in the Greater Bay Area.”

Meanwhile, Lee said Hong Kong’s effort to produce its own Five-Year Plan for the first time to align with the national blueprint, is progressing well.

He said the Hong Kong blueprint would align the pace of various development plans undertaken by different government bureaux and standardise them to a five-year period.

“I think that systematically planning on a five-year basis enables cooperation in every matter, instead of some planning for three years, some for five and others for seven,” he said.

Lee also said the five-year plan could ensure the consistency of government policies, which would not be disrupted a change in the administration.

Edited by Cecil Wong ...