Rising geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts are reinforcing calls for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to align itself more closely with the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) as economic and technological strength becomes increasingly central to maintaining strategic advantage in a rapidly changing world, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said in his Sunday blog.

“The growingly volatile international environment and regional conflicts offer a stark reminder that national resilience ultimately rests on economic strength and technological capability,” he said. “For the SAR, this underlines the importance of closely studying the strategic direction outlined in China’s forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan.”

“Backed by the mainland and connected to the world, Hong Kong -- a premier hub for finance, shipping and trade -- has enormous opportunities to seize during the strategic window of the new policy cycle.”

READ MORE: HK’s NPC deputies vow action, share views on Ding’s expectations

The draft outline of the 15th development blueprint was submitted on Thursday to the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress – the nation’s top legislature -- for deliberation.

From building a modern industrial system and expanding domestic demand to deepening high-level opening-up and advancing rural revitalization, Chan pointed out, the blueprint is expected to set out a comprehensive roadmap for high-quality development.

Beyond its significance for China’s modernization drive, the strategy is also expected to serve as an important reference point for the SAR as the city looks to seize new opportunities and reposition itself for future development, the finance chief said.

READ MORE: HK, Macao urged to make most of five-year plan

Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong enjoys unique institutional advantages and a distinctly international character. The city has long served as a gateway for global investors entering the Chinese mainland market and as a natural base for mainland companies expanding abroad.

As China advances high-level opening under its dual-circulation strategy, leveraging its vast domestic market while coordinating global resources, Chan underscored a constructive role the city could continue to play.

With the country stepping up efforts to develop “new quality productive forces” in sectors like artificial intelligence, the low-altitude economy and biomedicine, he said Hong Kong can also leverage its global research networks, professional services and capital markets to attract international innovation resources while injecting new momentum into the local economy.

ALSO READ: Executive-led system a ‘shared responsibility’ for HK sectors, says Ding

In finance, the focus is not only on reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international financial center, but also on advancing a “Finance+” strategy to empower industries and support the development and commercialization of innovation and technology, enabling finance to better serve the real economy.

Chan highlighted the newly released 2026-27 Budget, which presses ahead with the synergistic development of “AI+” and “Finance+”, as a case in point. The city’s policymakers looked closely at the broader development trajectory from the 14th to the forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, seeking to ensure that Hong Kong’s strengths are deployed proactively in line with the country’s evolving development priorities.

Contact the writer at sophialuo@chinadailyhk.com