Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said he feels a “pressing urgency” over the development progress of the Northern Metropolis, promising to improve coordination and prioritize industrial-led strategy to accelerate the mega project that covers one-third of Hong Kong’s territory.

Speaking at a Legislative Council question-and-answer session on Thursday, Lee pledged to collaborate with lawmakers to explore innovative strategies to overcome bottlenecks.

The region’s framework of development, decision-making methods, public-private partnership models, and the relationship between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and the market are all significant issues that need to be further clarified on the path of development, Lee said.

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The SAR government has identified the Northern Metropolis as a cornerstone for innovation, technology, and sustainable growth, with proposed sectors spanning biotechnology, fintech, and green industries, Lee said.

The chief executive reiterated Northern Metropolis’ strategic role in diversifying Hong Kong’s economy and integrating with national development plans, underscoring that the project prioritizes industrial development instead of property or housing projects.

Responding to advice from lawmaker Chan Kin-por in terms of streamlining decision-making procedures, Lee said the development of the Northern Metropolis relies on concerted efforts from different government departments and sectors.

Therefore, Lee said it is crucial to enhance coordination and establish high-level leadership mechanisms, citing the Steering Committee on the Northern Metropolis that he leads.

Frankie Yick Chi-ming, who represents the transportation sector in the legislature, advocated for using an industrial-park mode to develop the Northern Metropolis.

Lee said there is no contradiction between the industrial-park mode and the “large-scale land disposal approach” that the government is using, because the development of the Northern Metropolis will be driven by industries.

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Another legislator, Erik Yim Kong, cited Shenzhen’s increased investment in the border economic belt, which largely covers areas next to the Northern Metropolis.

Lee said high-end technologies and professional services will be core industries in the Northern Metropolis to create greater synergy between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

Regarding infrastructure, legislator Simon Lee Hoey cited the unsatisfactory construction progress of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park — a flagship project of the Northern Metropolis, asking Lee to help local companies move into the park as soon as possible.

Contact the writer at stephyzhang@chinadailyhk.com