Lawmakers, business chambers and institutions have welcomed Hong Kong's inaugural five-year plan, which spells out efforts to boost people's livelihoods, cement the city's position as a global financial hub, and speed up the development of the Northern Metropolis. Chief Executive John Lee says his government has completed a historic mission by producing the blueprint, which also envisions the city becoming an international innovation and technology centre, and a top talent hub. Raymond Yeung reports.

Hong Kong aims to achieve breakthroughs in economic development, with the Northern Metropolis project to serve as a major growth engine. The goals were outlined in the city's first five-year plan. Janice Lo reports.

Business sector lawmaker, Jonathan Lamport, believes the five-year plan instils confidence into businesses and investors looking to expand their footprint in Hong Kong. The objectives outlined in the blueprint also point to growth areas they invest in. He spoke to Janice Lo.

The government is aiming to cut the waiting time for public housing to less than four years by 2030. This was announced by the chief executive, who stressed the need to boost overall supply, and eradicate substandard subdivided units. Chloe Feng reports.

A senior representative from a think-tank says the government's target of cutting the waiting time for public housing, is reasonable and achievable, given the projected increase in supply over the coming years. Ryan Ip, vice president of the Our Hong Kong Foundation, spoke to Hailey Yip.

In a bid to encourage couples to have more than one child, the chief executive announced that they will receive HK$30,000 for every baby after their first. Wendy Wong reports.

The New People Party's Judy Chan has welcomed the eleven key measures announced by the chief executive to boost childbirth rates. The lawmaker says it shows that the government is trying everything it can to support new parents. She also welcomed the decision to include more in-vitro fertilisation or I-V-F places at the Hospital Authority. Chan spoke to Janice Lo.

DAB lawmaker Nixie Lam says alongside the cash incentives, she's pleased to see the government providing more childcare services. She also told Janice Lo that she hopes the government will consider raising the age limit for IVF treatment at public healthcare from 40 to 45.

The chief executive says Hong Kong is considering tapping into the Exchange Fund to buy more gold, as part of efforts to boost the trade in gold, and transform the city into a world trading centre for the precious metal. Chloe Feng reports.

As Hong Kong embraces the use of artificial intelligence, the chief executive says the government will step up efforts to ensure safety in the use of the technology. In his policy address, John Lee said such efforts will be coordinated by the chief secretary, with help from a new Commissioner for AI, under the Digital Policy Office. Wallis Wang reports.

The chief executive has promised to push forward with measures needed to drive reform in the maintenance of older buildings. After last November's fire that claimed 168 lives at Wang Fuk Court, law enforcement and government departments have filed hundreds of charges against the consultancy firm and the main contractor. Those charged were undertaking major renovations at the Tai Po estate when the inferno broke out. Elvis Yu reports.

A former senior government official has welcomed the city's first Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address, and says he expects Hong Kong to gain a more prominent role in a changing world order, and the China-US rivalry. Andrew Leung, a former director of social welfare, told RTHK's Backchat programme the city must continue to excel using its distinct advantages.

Speaking on The Current was Barry Wilson, who sits on the Northern Metropolis Sub-Committee on Planning, Land and Conservation. The urban planner praised the Five-Year Plan, saying it provides clarity and direction for investment and finance. He also supported the expansion of the educational zone in the mega project, saying it will give the city a real edge for attracting more talent.

John Lee has vowed to speed up the development of three university towns in the Northern Metropolis. He said the aim is to drive the synergistic development between industries, academia and research. Elvis Yu with that story.

Lawmaker Lau Chi-pang has welcomed the government's financial backing for universities to set up satellite campuses in the Northern Metropolis, but said institutions still need to have long-term funding plans, once they get off the ground. He told Janice Lo that the three towns, located in San Tin, Hung Shui Kiu and Ta Kwu Ling, are positioned differently, and they will help enhance the SAR's position as an international education hub.

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