Chief Executive John Lee on Tuesday said the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan – which outlines the proposals for an even brighter SAR – offers a clear course for Hong Kong's development.

Speaking at a seminar at government headquarters to promote the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the Communist Party Central Committee, Lee said the delegation's visit to Hong Kong has fully demonstrated Beijing's deep concern and care for the city.

Lee noted that the five-year plan for 2026 to 2030 offers top-level strategic planning for the nation's development.

As for the previous five-year plan, he said it had brought positive results despite challenges.

"Looking back at the 14th Five-Year Plan, despite a complicated and ever-changing international environment, and the impact of the global pandemic, our nation has made impressive and major achievements, and scaled new heights in economic, technological and comprehensive national strengths," he said.

"Under the guidance and support of the central government, as well as the team efforts of the SAR government and the public, all sectors of society have continued to advance."

For instance, the chief executive pointed out the city is third in a ranking of global financial centres, is the third-most globally competitive, ranks fourth in global talent ranking and is seventh in a global safety index.

Zhou Ji, head of Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong, said that the 15th Five-Year Plan period is a crucial phase for the nation.

Speaking at the seminar, he also said that he is pleased to see the SAR government and all levels of society learning about the plenary session.

"I believe through this seminar, everyone will surely gain greater confidence in certain victory from our nation's developmental achievements. They can better recognise opportunities and prospects from the tasks set amid the current situation," he said.

"And they'll gain a more accurate grasp of the development direction from the 15th Five-Year Plan, to consolidate the positive momentum of Hong Kong's economic and social development."

With the SAR's rankings rising in various indices, and once again crowned as the world's freest economy, the international community is optimistic about Hong Kong's development and outlook, Zhou added.