HK's first five‑year plan a historic shift: lawmakers

Legislative Council President Starry Lee has called the drafting of Hong Kong's first five‑year plan "groundbreaking" and of historic significance.

She said the plan will bring benefits to residents by aligning the city's development with the nation's 15th Five‑Year Plan.

During an interview with RTHK's "Vision 15: Hong Kong's Chapter", she cited the country's rapid technological development as an example, saying Hong Kong's alignment with the nation will help boost the SAR's competitiveness.

"By aligning with the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong can achieve breakthroughs in the new wave of technology – boosting competitiveness and productivity, and ultimately benefiting the public," she said.

Lawmaker Stanley Ng echoed Lee's views. He said that in the past, Hong Kong simply followed the tide of development.

But now, he said, the city needs to be more proactive.

"The Law on National Development Plans clearly states that Hong Kong should proactively align with national development under the spirit of One Country, Two Systems," Ng said.

"We need to be more proactive – moving from simply following the tide to becoming an important part of the national strategy. That's why this is so significant – it's also a shift in mindset."

Ng, who heads the Legco Subcommittee on Hong Kong's Work to Actively Dovetail with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, said the public should find their own role within that process.

Edited by Aaron Tam ...