Blueprint to build consensus and gather forces: FS

Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Sunday said Hong Kong’s first five-year plan would facilitate the establishment of consensus, gather resources and boost development.

His remarks came as the two-month public consultation period for the blueprint starts on Monday.

Writing in his weekly blog, Chan said the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan offered strategic directions for the SAR, which is expected to serve as an international financial, shipping and trade centre and a hub of innovation and global talent.

“How to combine these directions with Hong Kong’s strengths and characteristics, make up for the city’s weaknesses, identify concrete implementation pathways and maximise development benefits, are the issues that need to be discussed during the consultation,” he said.

The FS said Hong Kong’s development had benefited from the country’s long-term planning while the SAR has also contributed to national development.

The city’s first five-year plan would explore room for further development and new markets, he said.

He added authorities also needed to gather opinions in industrial development and improvements in people’s AI literacy. ...