Hong Kong launches public consultation for first five-year plan
Hong Kong has launched a public consultation for its first five-year plan, a step that aligns the special administrative region more closely with mainland China’s development approach. Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Janice Tse said at a news conference that mainland China began its 15th five-year plan for 2026 to 2030 this year. Tse stated that the city’s blueprint will help Hong Kong synchronize with the national plan while upholding a free-market economy. The public consultation will last two months, with residents able to submit opinions via a website, email, or letters, and officials aim to announce a finalized plan in the third quarter. Under the plan, Hong Kong will strengthen its position as an international financial, maritime, and trade center, and officials have proposed accelerating the Northern Metropolis project near Shenzhen. Hong Kong leader John Lee said on June 9 that the plan would better integrate a “capable government” with “an efficient market.” A Beijing official on Hong Kong and Macao affairs was expected to arrive in the city Tuesday for a two-day trip to study alignment with the national plan.
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Sources: abcnews.com
