The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will launch a two-month public consultation on Monday for the city’s first five-year development plan, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday.
He called the consultation a historic move aligned with overall national development that will deliver tangible, wide‑ranging benefits for the community.
At a media briefing, Lee said the SAR government will collect views to “broadly gauge public sentiment and widely incorporate the public’s input” in creating a road map that “truly belongs to the people of Hong Kong”.
READ MORE: Public consultations on HK’s 5-year roadmap to start on June 15
Lee outlined the plan’s guiding principles — “people-based” orientation; better integration of an active government with an efficient market; and stronger governance effectiveness for administration.
He reaffirmed that the plan will adhere to the “one country, two systems” and “patriots administering Hong Kong” principles, which he said “have long ensured Hong Kong’s success”.
The blueprint will include measures to consolidate the SAR’s edge in innovation and technology, and speed up the development of the Northern Metropolis, while tapping opportunities spawned by national growth and the rise of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
He said the road map is designed to capitalize on Hong Kong’s unique position, where national and international opportunities converge to serve the country’s needs.
“For the local economy and companies, the plan will unlock fresh business opportunities for young people and talent, and offer more jobs and room for advancement. And, for society at large, it will chart the direction for more sustainable development and a more prosperous, stable society for its people,” he said.
The consultation paper will be available on a dedicated government website and at multiple distribution locations across the city on Monday.
Last week, the Legislative Council submitted its recommendations on the road map to Lee, covering areas like finance, innovation, and social welfare.
Prepare for 29th anniversary
Lee also previewed a series of citywide events and promotional campaigns to mark the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland on July 1.
The celebrations will include flag-raising ceremonies, marching performances, carnivals and variety shows, with details to be revealed on a dedicated website.
MTR Corp will mark the occasion by giving away 71,000 local single-journey tickets through a lucky draw and offering Airport Express discounts for children, students, and the elderly.
READ MORE: Citywide celebrations, perks to mark HKSAR's 29th anniversary
Passengers can also ride trams free of charge from July 1 to 3, while several ferry routes will offer free travel on July 1, with vouchers to be distributed in advance for certain services.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will open to the public all sports grounds, public swimming pools, permanent museum exhibitions, and Hong Kong Wetland Park. Entry to designated exhibitions at the M+ museum and all thematic exhibitions at the Hong Kong Palace Museum will also be free.
More than 1,000 restaurants and shops are expected to offer special anniversary deals, while several markets run by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will roll out various concessions.
Contact the writers at wanqing@chinadailyhk.com
