Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Monday published a signed article ahead of the release of Hong Kong’s first five-year plan, describing it as a milestone that will integrate the city into national development while preserving its capitalist system and international character.

Lee will formally announce the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026–2030) on Wednesday, alongside his 2026 Policy Address.

In his article, he acknowledged the extraordinary challenges of drafting the plan in under a year – a process that typically takes mainland cities one to two years of research and consultation.

“We had less than a year to finish Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan from scratch,” Lee wrote, praising the HKSAR government’s “breakthrough in public governance capabilities.”

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He highlighted the administration’s extensive consultation efforts, including more than 100 sessions and over 30 personally hosted by him. The government received more than 17,000 submissions, 80 percent of which came from individuals, with artificial intelligence used to help analyze the large volume of responses.

The plan focuses on reinforcing traditional strengths – international finance, trade, maritime services, and aviation – while building an international innovation and technology center, accelerating Northern Metropolis development and improving people’s livelihoods.

Lee emphasized that the plan would not alter the SAR’s fundamental systems. “The five-year plan will uphold Hong Kong’s rule of law and capitalist system, implement the Basic Law and adhere to ‘one country, two systems’ without distorting Hong Kong,” he wrote.

“The five-year plan maps out the long-term blueprint and strategic direction for Hong Kong’s development,” Lee said, adding that he is “encouraged and confident” about the results.