As geopolitical conflicts escalate around the world, Hong Kong, as an open small economy, is facing growing external shocks and unpredictability. The case for Hong Kong to count on its hinterland, the Chinese mainland, is now stronger than ever. As a special administrative region of China, Hong Kong is also obligated to contribute further to national development while benefiting from it as other regions across the country do. Thus, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s further integration into the national development strategy is a crucial yet long-term imperative.
Of course, priorities in this process shift over time along with external and internal situations. A phased approach tailored to the prevailing circumstances is essential. Consequently, Hong Kong’s most pressing task for 2026 is to align its development strategies with the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) in a comprehensive way, which is expected to be finalized and promulgated during the annual two sessions, slated for early March.
The national five-year plans have been pivotal in enabling China to achieve the dual miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. By strategically harmonizing regional interests with national interests, short-term needs with long-term goals, and macro perspectives with micro policies, these plans ensure the country operates as a cohesive, unified whole. This “nationwide chessboard” approach always fosters robust internal growth momentum, development synergy, and resilience against risks.
The recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan were unveiled at the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in October 2025, with the final plan expected to be deliberated on and adopted at the two sessions in March.
This year, 2026, marks the first year of the new five-year road map for national socioeconomic development, signifying that China, as an ultralarge economy, will lay out the opening chapter of its grand blueprint for the next five years. Hong Kong must seize this window of opportunity to ensure immediate and precise alignment, taking clues from the 15th Five-Year Plan
This year, 2026, marks the first year of the new five-year road map for national socioeconomic development, signifying that China, as an ultralarge economy, will lay out the opening chapter of its grand blueprint for the next five years. Hong Kong must seize this window of opportunity to ensure immediate and precise alignment, taking clues from the 15th Five-Year Plan. Only by proactively aligning with national strategies can Hong Kong seamlessly integrate into the country’s development framework and share in its growth and prosperity. To this end, Hong Kong should first concentrate its efforts on three key strategic dimensions.
The first dimension is high-quality development. The recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan enshrines high-quality development as a central theme of national socioeconomic development in the years to come, explicitly designating the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as key engines of high-quality development. This mandate defines the Greater Bay Area’s mission in high-quality national development, positioning Hong Kong as a pivotal engine. To fulfill this designated role, the SAR must embrace a sense of ownership as well as a sense of belonging, proactively taking the lead in the process. It’s incumbent upon Hong Kong to rigorously assess its own strengths and identify precise entry points where it can most effectively participate in and contribute to the nation’s high-quality development.
Collaborative innovation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen should be one of the priorities in the SAR’s high-quality development strategy. Hong Kong’s strength lies in scientific research, while Shenzhen’s strength lies in high-end manufacturing. When the two sides join hands to form complete industrial chains, they can definitely create miracles together.
The second dimension concerns opening-up. Under the 15th Five-Year Plan, China’s engagement with the rest of the world is expected to unfold within a radically new paradigm. While the historical focus of China’s opening-up was on integrating into the global economic system, the rise of trade protectionism and challenges to World Trade Organization rules now compel China to assume a greater role in safeguarding the global trade order. In essence, the nation’s external engagement strategy now not only focuses on doing business but also pays attention to maintaining global order and setting rules, which relies heavily on legal frameworks, arbitration, customs clearance, and shipping — areas in which Hong Kong enjoys unique competitive edges. By stepping up efforts and taking the lead in these areas, Hong Kong can play an instrumental role in the nation’s pursuit of high-level opening-up.
The third dimension is expanding domestic demand. With a population of 1.4 billion, a middle-income group exceeding 400 million, and a per capita GDP surpassing $13,000, China stands at a critical juncture of consumption upgrading. Guided by the strategy of expanding domestic demand, the central government is set to adopt a multipronged approach to fully unleash the nation’s consumption potential. For Hong Kong, this offers a golden opportunity. The city must look beyond merely attracting mainland visitors and actively tap into the mainland market by offering its high-quality products and professional services. Furthermore, by leveraging its world-class business environment and expertise, Hong Kong can come up with suggestions or strategies for the construction of a unified national market.
The author is vice-chairman of the Committee on Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and chairman of the Hong Kong New Era Development Thinktank.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
