Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, participated in a radio phone-in programme on September 18 to discuss the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) and his fifth Policy Address, both unveiled on September 16. The plan sets five main objectives: better livelihoods for all; breakthroughs in economic development; expanding global competitiveness and influence; faster development of the Northern Metropolis; and better serving the country.
On expanding global competitiveness, Lee stressed the importance of Hong Kong's international status. "The strength of Hong Kong is its international status, and we have been emphasising on how we ensure the internationalism or the 'internationalness' of Hong Kong. We are expanding to cover every part of the world where we can reach," he said, noting the Government's Economic and Trade Offices, Invest Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Trade Development Council offices worldwide. Since taking office four years ago, Lee has led delegation visits to ASEAN Member States, the Middle East, and Central Asia, with colleagues also frequently visiting South Africa and Kenya.
To boost influence, Lee highlighted the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), headquartered in Hong Kong with United Nations status, and an international office under the global network of corruption prevention authorities. "Hong Kong is an international city, which not just is very good at doing business, but is exercising its responsibility as a global participator, and also, we really can contribute," he said. He emphasized that Hong Kong is not just a member but a contributor and driver, sharing and learning from global experiences.
The plan places strong focus on the Northern Metropolis (NM), which Lee said represents about one third of Hong Kong's geographical area. "The Northern Metropolis represents about one third of our geographical area. So it is a big piece of land that gives us new opportunities. An opportunity to upgrade ourselves, both from the accommodation angle as well as development angle," he stated. The NM aims to diversify industries, create jobs, and align with national development. Lee noted that the NM is mentioned in China's 15th Five-Year Plan, elevating it to a state-driven project. "The NM is actually mentioned in our country's 15th Five-Year Plan. That means it is not just a Hong Kong development, it has been elevated as a state-driven project," he said, expressing confidence in Central Government support.
On artificial intelligence, Lee stressed balancing opportunities and risks, including crime, fraud, and impacts on youth. "Last year, we talk very much about how we should benefit from the application of AI, how it will do things faster, and how it will also do things more correctly," he said. "So while we develop and ensure people understand and use it, we also need to tell everybody the potential risks that it will bring." He announced the creation of a Commissioner for AI post to set policy, coordinate resources, and develop AI for the whole government.
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