'Study tour benefits HK's 5-year plan, governance'

Lawmakers said their week-long study tour in Beijing would help them serve the people better and contribute to the city's first five-year plan.

Speaking on RTHK's "In The Chamber" programme before embarking on their trip, DAB lawmaker Gary Chan highlighted the significance of the visit, saying it allows them to learn more about the country's political and legal systems from a macro level, which was "relatively less discussed in the past".

"Meanwhile, we'll also learn how the country serves the people 'at the last mile'. That refers to areas relating to district governance and issues concerning people's livelihoods," he said.

"This is particularly helpful for us, especially for Legco members who are directly elected, on how to do a good job in our districts and serve the people."

Chan also noted the visit would broaden their horizons on the development of the Communist Party, as the trip covers seminars over the party's history and contributions to the country in areas such as the economy, poverty alleviation and education.

The itinerary also includes field trips to industries relating to new quality productive forces, including artificial intelligence, aerospace and information technology applications.

Federation of Trade Unions legislator Bill Tang said he believes the trip would offer inspirations for the SAR as it comes up with its five-year blueprint.

"For example, the 15th Five-Year Plan, or the great emphasis placed by the entire nation on stimulating demand, along with 'investing in people', high-quality consumption and improving people's livelihoods... These are exactly what Hong Kong needs right now as well.

"Hong Kong needs to stimulate and boost our services industry, so I think we can learn more on this aspect."

Tang also noted Hong Kong could learn from the mainland's rapidly advancing new industries, especially in information technology, AI research and application as well as "e-governance", offering government services through information technology.

The trip is expected to conclude on Saturday.

Edited by Edmond Fong ...