Chief Executive John Lee cited new Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Janice Tse's extensive government experience as a crucial asset for the role as he announced her appointment on Monday.

She replaces acting secretary Clement Woo, who had been filling in at the position since January after his former boss, Erick Tsang, resigned due to health reasons.

Lee said Tse’s long history within the administration made her the ideal fit to lead the bureau through a demanding agenda, starting with the formulation of the city’s first five-year plan.

He noted that after considering several candidates, her 38 years of government service set her apart.

Lee highlighted Tse’s strong working relationships across government departments and the Legislative Council as key assets.

"She has been in close communication and co-operated well with the Legislative Council and various sectors of society over the years," he said.

"In the future, when it comes to compiling the five-year plan and various aspects of our work with the Legislative Council, the networks and working partnerships that Secretary Tse has established will help her continue to co-operate with the Legislative Council to advance work on Hong Kong’s first five-year plan."

He also thanked Tse for taking on the role amid a heavy workload.

Beyond completing the five-year plan this year, the bureau is tasked with organising several major elections, including the Election Committee subsector by-elections scheduled for the end of the year.

Tse said her immediate priority would be driving forward the preparation and formulation of the city’s first five-year plan.

Describing the initiative as a strategic blueprint for Hong Kong’s economic and social development, she said it would also serve as a catalyst for industrial upgrading, economic growth and technological innovation.

"My experience in the government in liaison with various sectors [and] the Legislative Council... to listen to their views in formulating major policies, and in the implementation of various policy measures, would definitely be the necessary skills for the bureau and my working out the best plan for Hong Kong in the next five years," Tse said.

Although she retired from the civil service last year – most recently as permanent secretary for environment and ecology – Tse said she had stayed in close touch with developments in Hong Kong.


Edited by Tony Sabine