A new task force led by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will formulate Hong Kongโs first five-year blueprint to align with the nationโs 15th five-year plan, with a political analyst saying the move signals greater government involvement in shaping the cityโs development.
Lee also said on Monday that he would prioritise visits to Eastern Europe and Central Asia to explore new markets for local businesses, stressing the need to โavoid putting all eggs in one basketโ and mitigate risk amid geopolitical tensions.
In an interview with the media, the city leader said that he would lead an interdepartmental task force to align Hong Kongโs policies with the 15th five-year plan, which would guide mainland Chinaโs development from 2026 to 2030.
For the first time, Hong Kong would devise its own five-year plan alongside detailed policy frameworks for key areas of development, he added.
The national plan, unveiled last October, pledged to support Hong Kong in becoming a high-end talent hub and consolidate and enhance the cityโs status as an international financial, shipping and trade hub.
It also emphasised stronger cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland in areas such as the economy, trade, science and technology, and culture.