Hong Kong’s new mainland affairs chief Janice Tse Siu-wa pledged on Monday to “do her best” to formulate the city’s first five-year plan — a task that she is confident that she will complete within this year.
The State Council announced on Monday morning the appointment of the 61-year-old veteran public servant as the new secretary for constitutional and mainland affairs, succeeding Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, who resigned on Jan 27 citing health issues.
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Speaking to reporters at a news conference shortly after the appointment, Tse said she will collaborate closely with all sectors of society to draft the blueprint, designating it as the “top priority” for the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau.
Tse’s appointment marks her return to public service.
She joined the civil service in 1987, with extensive experience in various policy spheres. She was director of home affairs from April 2016 to January 2022, director of environmental protection from January to December 2022, while also serving as permanent secretary for environment and ecology (environment) from January 2022 until her retirement on Jan 2, 2025.
Accompanying Tse at her media debut, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu commended her courage in taking on the huge responsibility, noting the bureau's heavy portfolio ranges from deepening the city’s integration into national development to organizing local elections.
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Lee said Tse possesses a profound understanding of the blueprint's strategic significance and a strong drive to take on the drafting process.
Tse also participated in the local implementation of the nation’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), Lee added.
Lee said Tse is well qualified to lead the bureau, particularly in spearheading the local five-year plan under his direct supervision. He said her exemplary administrative background, proven leadership, and exceptional communication skills give her a crucial advantage in coordinating 15 policy bureaux and various government departments to accomplish her task.
